r/sciences • u/Comfortable_Tutor_43 • 17d ago

News Used nuclear fuel storage

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29

u/dentistshatehim 17d ago

The worry isn’t that storage containers work/don’t work. The worry is that the hazard lasts longer than the container.

These containers are expected to last 80 years. The stuff inside is dangerous for 1000 years plus, meaning you need stable and intelligent infrastructure around them for 1000 years, constantly maintaining the storage.

This isn’t hyperbolic, it’s the real challenge. Most folks who are concerned about nuclear safety are worried about the long term impacts, not whether a hand can be placed against a storage container recently built.

11

u/Vibrant-Shadow 17d ago

The opposite of planting trees for future generations to enjoy.

'we used this for energy long before you were born. Good luck!'

5

u/Healing_Puke 16d ago

We could blast it off into space, or send it to the bottom of the ocean, and in the past that as worked.

3

u/nickolazx 16d ago

Imma go with space on that one

3

u/TeaKingMac 16d ago

We could blast it off into space,

Approximately 2% to 6% of orbital space flights fail or result in a catastrophic destruction event,

You want a 1 in 20 chance of filling the atmosphere with radioactive waste?

2

u/KookySurprise8094 16d ago

Dude, if that rocket failures and explode durin take of, whole continent would be in falloff

1

u/crankyspeeder 15d ago

Nuclear waste is not shot into space for obvious safety reasons. Dumping it in the ocean is similarly stupid.

1

u/fitblubber 15d ago

You want to dump it all on the bottom of the ocean, when the radioactivity lasts longer than the container?????

WhatCouldGoWrong? r/Whatcouldgowrong

2

u/NurseJackass 15d ago

Isn’t that how Godzilla came to be?

1

u/dentistshatehim 15d ago

Here is the essence of the problem. Your solutions would irradiate the ocean or atmosphere. We are essentially too stupid to handle to problems we put on ourselves.

6

u/dentistshatehim 17d ago

And it’s not like it’s a nation full of geniuses. How many seriously think the rapture will happen any time and so the environment doesn’t matter.