LETTERS
FEEDBACK
YOUR OPINIONS ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND OUR MAGAZINE
reply@sciencefocus.com
BBCScienceFocus, Eagle House, Bristol, BS1 4ST
@sciencefocus
www.facebook.com/sciencefocus
@bbcsciencefocus
LETTER OF THE MONTH
A different nuclear option
Dr Jonathan Foley’s article, ‘Can tech save us from climate change?’ (New Year, p71) was an excellent summary of where we are. While I agree that “We shouldn’t wait for fusion,” I am, however, surprised that he didn’t suggest stable salt reactors (SSRs) to provide nearnet-zero electricity. These nuclear reactors aren’t expected to be certified for use in the UK until 2030, but a plant is being built now in New Brunswick, Canada. SSRs can be built far quicker than conventional nuclear facilities [in about 2.5 years compared to 6 to 8] and cost about a third of the price. They can operate at atmospheric pressure and their fuel can be uranium, thorium or waste from military and civil nuclear installations (reducing the need for geological storage by up to 90 per cent).