Integral Fast Reactor Project

[jstassek]

http://skirsch.com/politics/globalwarming/ifr.htm

Okay, I'm sold on peak oil and all it's implications.  I've been tuned into LATOC for the past few years, and have been prepping as best I can.  In my opinion the best option we have is to work within our communities to encourage new skills be learned and a general power down philosophy to take hold.  I'm a member of a Transition Initiative group and I'm leading a screening/discussion of Chris Martenson's Crash Course in a few weeks. 

My wife is reading Jim Hansen's new book "Storms of my Grandchildren" and this morning told me about Dr. Hansen's positive views on 4th generation fast breeders (or IFRs).  In doing a bit of research I found that there are many advantages for these reactors, as opposed to continue to use coal for electric power generation.  What am i missing?  Even Bill Gates is getting into the act.  I understand why corporate lobbyists would want to kill government sponsored research and construction.  And I understand the cost and need for limited resources and energy.  But if it's such a good idea, other countries are going to do this.  So it seems inevitable.  The problem I have is that I've always been opposed to nucs because of the waste issues and possible safety issues.  I'm doing this Crash Course presentation in a few weeks, with all it's implications for serious doom and gloom.  I almost feel like I am going to have to conclude the presentation with a "Oh, by the way.  We can prevent all this and solve all our energy problems with Fast Breeders!  Problem Solved!  Nevermind!".  So do you see my dilemma?  What am I missing?! 

Thanks for any insights!
John

[the_guy_with_the_gun]

How many nuke reactors would we need to build?

How long does the EPA process take to approve a new one?

How many reactors have been built since 1970? Why?

How much nuclear fuel would we require and how much is available?

How much energy would it take to build the reactors? I'd use terawatts for that, so you can compare to potential output of the reactor.

answer these questions, and you won't have to end the presentation with "We're Saved!"

[jstassek]

DOH!!
It's all about scale!  I don't know what I was thinking!  I remembered after posting that we would have to build one new plant each and every week for the next 15 years just to replace the energy we receive in the way of imported oil at today's usage.
Chris Martenson's conclusions in his crash course includes the notion that we have got to start using our remaining surplus energy in smart ways that are going to benefit us in the future, so I guess we could put this idea in with other alternative forms of power.  The questions you provided show how difficult this will be, and how likely.
Thanks for your slap to the side of my head!  I feel better now.