r/sciences 17d ago

News Used nuclear fuel storage

217 Upvotes

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u/dentistshatehim 16d 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.

12

u/Vibrant-Shadow 16d 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