NRG Applies to Build More Nukes in Texas

Per the Wall Street Journal, NRG, Inc. is planning to submit an application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build 2 new reactors at the South Texas nuclear station.  The problem: NRG has never built a nuclear plant before.  The move comes as many energy companies scramble to qualify for federal incentives outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

While many agree nuclear power is much cleaner than more traditional energy sources, the risks of operating these plants can be substantial.  Domestic terrorism immediately comes to mind – but an attack on a nuclear facility is very unlikely.  However, as we saw at Chernobyl, accidents pose a huge risk and can be extremely devastating – rendering entire areas uninhabitable.  When you also consider the fact that the US doesn’t even have a repository today for disposing of radioactive waste from existing reactors, the nuclear option seems less attractive.  In my opinion, we need to think long and hard before we jump in head first on this one.