Discuss the economic reasons that have caused many utilities to opt for coal-burning, rather than nuclear-powered, plants

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Utility companies might opt for coal-burning, rather than nuclear-power, plants because "increasing safety standards for the construction and operation of nuclear power plants caused the cost of plants to increase at least fivefold, even after inflation is considered. Adding to the rise in costs is the withdrawal of government subsidies to the nuclear industry. Third, public protests frequently delayed the construction or start-up of new power plants. Such delays increased costs still more because the utility was paying interest on its investment of several billion dollars even when the plant was not producing power. Finally, safety systems may protect the public, but they do not prevent an accident from financially ruining the utility." Nuclear power plants were originally estimated to have a half-life of 40 years, but "more than 100 nuclear power plants have been shut down after an average operating lifetime of 17 years." Decommissioning is an unknown cost.