RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Glut of Uranium?Currently, there are proposals to increase the numbers of nuclear power plants by 57% more reactors from the 435 currently in operation, according to John S. Herold's Ruppel
The Chinese alone have already ordered 100 new reactors
New plants under construction
The latest plant designs currently available for building are generally called generation III+ reactors. They include AREVA's European Pressurized Reactor (EPR), General Electric's ESBWR, Westinghouse's AP1000, and AECL's ACR-1000. Russia (see VVER), Japan, Korea, India and China all also have indigenous plant designs currently available for deployment.
In 2008 China ordered 100 reactors from Westinghouse Nuclear, all to be operational or under construction by 2020, in addition to other reactors planned or under construction (see Nuclear power in China).
According to the NRC, as of August, 2008 35 new U.S. nuclear power units are planning to apply for licenses.[53] Early Site Permit Applications have been filed in the U.S. for several AP1000 plants.
In July 2008, Russia announced plans to allocate $40 billion from the state budget over the next 7 years for development of the nuclear energy sector and the nuclear industry. This will allow for construction of 26 major generating units in Russia by 2020 — about as many as were built in the entire Soviet period.[54]
As of 2008, the UK has indicated that it will take steps to encourage private operators to build new nuclear power plants in the coming years to meet projected energy needs as fossil fuel prices climb, however there would be no subsidies from the UK government for nuclear power.[55] An online calculator outlining UK means and limitations in meeting future energy needs illustrates the problem facing lawmakers and the public.[56]
The 1600 MWeEuropean Pressurized Reactor (EPR) reactor is being built in Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant, Finland. A joint effort of French AREVA and German Siemens AG, it will be the largest PWR in the world. In December 2006 (approximately 18 months after construction began), completion of construction was about 18 months behind the original schedule so completion was expected 2010–2011.[57][58] The Olkiluoto project has benefited from various forms of government support and subsidies, including liability limitations, preferential financing rates, and export credit agency subsidies.[59]
Four ABWRs are already in operation in Japan, and one more is being built in Japan and two in Taiwan. Two of the Japanese plants were brought in under budget and ahead of schedule.[60]
Several Indian plants are planned as of 2008.[61]
Russia has begun building the world’s first floating nuclear power plant. The £100 million vessel, the Akademik Lomonosov, is the first of seven plants (70 MWe per ship) that Moscow says will bring vital energy resources to remote Russian regions.[62]
SSTAR, a leased reactor intended for developing nations, is under development.
South Korea plans to build 12 new nuclear power plants from 2009 to 2022.[63]