Citaat:
Oorspronkelijk geplaatst door Bart Staes
The nuclear industry in the EU is in decline. The number of nuclear reactors being operated in EU member states stood at 146 at the end of 2007, having decreased from 177 in 1989 (for more, see this report and summary) this fact was even acknowledged by the IAEA. The average age of those reactors still operating continues to rise, with the result that many will be decommissioned over the coming years.
Coupled with the fact that the nuclear 'fleet' is ageing and being retired, there is the long lead-in for any new build and the lack of skilled workers. The average lead time for a new reactor is 8-10 years. So, even if the decision were made today to build 50 reactors in Europe to ensure a growth in nuclear power, they would not be online in time to contribute to our 2020 emissions reduction targets.
The flagship project of the European (French) nuclear industry is the new European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) currently being built at Olkiluoto in Finland. However, the latest estimates suggest that it will be delivered more than 3 years past deadline.
This brings us on to the lack of skilled workers. A major nuclear expansion would only be possible with the required amount of workers with relevant skills to operate these reactors. However, even the nuclear industry has expressed concern about "competence renewal", with an ageing workforce and low numbers of graduates in the relevant disciplines to this highly specialised field. Long story longer, who will man these reactors? Will we follow the Swedish model of using the cleaning staff to provide security for the reactors?
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Met andere woorden, we hebben dus de nucleaire sector de nek omgedraaid, en nu kan niemand ons dus meer redden. Of mischien de Chinezen?