Could the delay of building nuclear plants have anything to do with Tokamak prototypes?

Question

I lost my link, but I heard that a plasma arc reactor was being built and expected to go online in 15-20years. Any insight or updates?

Answer 1

I used to be in plasma physics and it's an extremely difficult field.  Notice how fusion power is always several decades away? One thing that doesn't get mentioned is that if a reactor uses a deuterium-tritium reaction there will still be radioactive waste to dispose of. You can see how quickly we're moving past that problem.

It's been almost impossible to license nuclear power plants for various reasons, which has driven up the costs of nuclear power so that it has not been competitive with conventional power like coal.  That may change if carbon dioxide release is taxed.

Answer 2

It doesn't matter what the main cause is. If humans are contributing to it, they should quit it.

You can't change other causes to global climate change. You can only change what humans do. Why be the straw that breaks the camel's back?

Future generations will thank you for taking responsibility for what you can do.

Answer 3

A plasma arc reactor is a device used to incinerate toxic waste.  It has nothing to do with a Tokamak nuclear reactor.  

The delay in building a Tokamak is related to the fact they are not at realistic break-even points in terms of temperature, there are huge issues in material engineering regarding how to deal with structural integrity in the presence of the high neutron flux, and issues with tritium production (assuming the first two issues can be dealt with).  You guys don't like Wikipedia, which is too bad because there is a lot of decent information in it.  The article on fusion power, especially the discussion of the problems, is really good and echoes a lot of what I've read in places like Physics Today, Nature, and Science.  

I don't think anyone is holding back fusion power, and the plasma arc reactor is a totally separate issue related to toxic waste disposal.

Answer 4

That was part of the presidential order by Carter stopping the recycling of nuclear materials and the stiff restrictions imposed on the building of new plants. Until a way is found to remove that presidential order all practical means of bringing on line realistic power sources that can and will solve the earth’s power needs for thousands of years is on full hold. Write your senator and Congress person and demand action to remove this Luddite stupidity.

Answer 5

Luddite stupidity; good one, I like it.  

However it is more than stupidity, but part of a plan to cripple our nation and economy in order to bring us to submission.  Let's see; no nuclear plants, no oil exploration or drilling, no shale oil mining, no new oil refineries, open borders, debasing the currency through the Fed., and loss of 2nd and 4th Amendment freedoms in the name of security.  See a pattern yet?