Nuclear Power Security Risk
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Nuclear Power Security Risk is a Problem
Think for a moment. Over here there is a nuclear power plant powering a city. Over there, another city is powered by community solar and wind, energy storage, and lots of rooftop solar with batteries. Which of these is a target for a terrorist bent on causing chaos? There is only one answer: the city with the nuclear power plant.
Small Modular Reactors Increase Security Risk
Bizarrely, the stated goal for siting new nuclear power reactors—termed “small modular reactors” (SMR)—is close to population centers and industrial facilities. For example, Purdue University is considering a small modular reactor to power its campus. Recently, the company X-energy promoted use of small modular reactors to power oil and gas refineries. And some SMR proponents are even touting how these reactors could be mobile; it could be coming to your neighborhood.
In addition, most of the new reactor designs use highly enriched uranium that is slightly below weapons-grade uranium (unlike existing reactors that use low-enriched uranium). Not only will this mean that any new nuclear reactors are targets for terrorists but worldwide there will be more weapons-grade nuclear material made and transported, increasing the risks of a nuclear terrorist attack. Additionally, the more reactors the more radioactive waste that will need to be transported once again increasing the risk.
Yes, there will always be a risk but we don’t need to increase the risk when there are other options. The more our energy supply relies on non-nuclear resources the safer we will be.
How we’re fighting back
- NWEA is working with other organization in the West to make sure consumers have safe, affordable, and reliable power.
- NWEA is reaching out to the Northwest residents make them aware that nuclear energy is not a viable climate action.
- NWEA is supporting the deployment of local energy sources that will keep electric rate affordable for all such as energy efficiency and solar.
Utilities in the Northwest are in the process of planning for reducing their carbon footprint and while some are looking at energy efficiency and conservation along with renewable, others are unfortunately looking to nuclear power. It's important we encourage those utilities seeking nuclear free options to continue down that path. At the same time, we need to let those utilities planning on nuclear power know they need to follow a nuclear free path. Nuclear power costs will only add to an increased costs for fixing an electric grid above and beyond what's needed for reliability. The utilities now considering nuclear power include Clark County PUD, Grant County PUD, and Pacific Power.
Action Needed Now!
Tell Your Electric Utility
Now is not the time to solve one problem with another, one that will increase electric rates and impact future generations with radioactive waste. Let your utility know you want your dollars to be used for energy efficiency, community renewables, and rooftop solar. Here are the utilities that we know are considering new nuclear reactors:
Clark Public Utility District - Grant County Public Utility District - Pacific Power