Flirting with Nuclear Ideas

To many people, considering a nuclear power plant in Chile, one of the most seismic countries in the world, seems like a not-so-smart idea. However, the Chilean Ministry of Energy is not as quick to denounce the idea 100%, as well as a couple Chileans I have met. I think the bottom line is that if energy demand continues to increase around 5% every year for the next several decades, hydropower and non-conventional renewable many not be sufficient enough in 20-30 years. Nuclear power has the benefit that it produces greater energy per area, would not alter the environment in the same ways as hydropower, emits relatively few greenhouse gases in its production, and may be economically feasible in the long run. Thus, the danger of being by a major fault line is minimized…  

Some say a nuclear power plant in the north would be the best location because it is close to the sea for water, close to the mountains (for waste disposal), far from the largest concentration of the Chilean population (but closer to Peru and Bolivia) and distant from the major earthquakes characteristic of the south. However, the north also lies near a fault and has also experienced earthquakes over 8.0, just not in as recent history. Although it seems more practical than the central Chile (close to Santiago) or the south where there has been more recorded large earthquakes and tsunamis, it is still not ideal.

The Ministry of Energy also seems to have faith that the problems encountered in Japan will enhance technology for nuclear power plants in seismic areas, in the end benefitting Chile. However, even if the highest officials swear on the safety of nuclear power, I am highly doubtful that the general population would ever support the idea. There is profound distrust in the Chilean state, and common sense will tell people that there will always be a risk. Part of the problem is the control- how to stop a nuclear leak, advising the population if there is one, and properly attending to the problem. I do not predict a nuclear power plant in the distant future, I think by the time Chile were ready there would be an alternative solution. But if it were up to the Ministry of Energy I believe that they would try to find a reason to debunk any doubts against constructing a nuclear power plant. There would be intense opposition to the plant because of the environmental and societal risk, distrusting (with reason) officials that propone it as well as any future workers of the plant.

An additional impediment to building a nuclear power plant is that Chile has very few nuclear scientists. For a country concerned about energy security and independence, there is a shortage of nuclear engineers.

In essence, nuclear power in Chile seems pretty bogus and unrealistic for present times… but the idea will continue to be flirted around for many years.