Let's hope no one hires Homer to run the nuclear plants.
Yes, there will be those who dust off their signs and show up to protest. There are always protests, no matter what kind of power plant is being proposed. Of course, there are protests when there isn't enough power, too.
Here is why nuclear is still viable. Some other sources are viable, also, of course, but the primary consideration is cost, and will continue to be cost. No one wants to pay more for power than they have to.
This graph shows nuclear and coal pretty stable at 2 to 2 1/2 cents per kilowatt hour: US_ElectProduction_Costs.jpg
This one shows about the same cost for coal, but somewhat higher prices for wind, solar, and other types of plants: http://www.solarbuzz.com/StatsCosts.htm
Of course, the cost of solar and wind is coming down, while the cost of oil and gas is going up. Nuclear and coal is remaining pretty steady, and is still cheaper than any of the other forms of power generation.
According to this one, wind is a pretty attractive alternative:
http://www.gepower.com/businesses/ge_wind_energy/en/about_wind_ener.htm
However, according to the figures above, the price will have to decline further to be as cheap as nuclear.
According to this one, the cost of geothermal is coming down, but is still more than gas or wind turbine. The price of gas generation, however, is going up, while geothermal is coming down:
http://www.crest.org/articles/static/1/995653330_5.html
To reiterate what I said earlier, we don't need to take any possibility off of the table. If geothermal comes down enough to compete, then it will be a viable source of energy. Wind is quickly becoming competitive in price. Oil and gas are pricing thenselves out of the market.
We should let market forces determine how much power is to be generated how, and not subsidize inefficient sources.
Local interests are trying to get a nuclear plant here. I hope they succeed, as a nuke won't further foul our dirty air, and will provide a dependible supply of energy. Meantime, solar panels on buildings, wind turbines in the hills where the winid blows, and hydro will supply power.
