My loose impression is that some recent excitement is driven by Small Modular Reactors, and of course, climate change.
I’m aware of SMRs but most of the info I’m exposed to about them is either mainstream media. That tends to be more sensational and focuses on how exciting the are instead of on data. Mainstream science reporting is better but such articles commonly rehash the basics, like simply describing what SMRs are, instead of getting into details like projected development timelines.
I can check whether anyone in the forecasting community, either in or outside of EA, are asking those questions. Others in EA who’ve studied or worked in a relevant field may also know more or know someone who does. Please let me know if you otherwise know of sources providing more specific information on the future of SMRs.
In the tweet you’ve linked to, Patrick Collison’s comment on the subject frames the matter as though the dramatic increase in regulation that has slowed down the construction of new nuclear power plants is irrational in general. That may be the case but it was only after the 1950s that problems that nuclear power plants may pose if not managed properly become apparent.
It’s because of nuclear meltdowns that more regulations were introduced. It shouldn’t be surprising if constructing new nuclear power plants even years longer than it took to construct them decades ago. They should take significantly longer to construct at present for them to be constructed and managed safely in perpetuity.
One could argue that at this point it’s been an over-correction and now the construction and maintenance of new nuclear power plants is over-regulated. The case for that specific argument must be made on its own but it wasn’t either by Patrick or the person who posted the original tweet he quote-tweeted/retweeted. I of course appreciate you providing that link to get the point across, and it’s not your fault, but the tweet itself is useless.
The Foreign Policy article they’re quoting is behind a paywall on their website I don’t have access to right now but I’ll try getting access to it. If I do, I can copy-paste its contents into a document I can share privately upon request.
I’ve not taken the time to read in full the other articles to which you’ve linked. Once I have, I’ll reply letting you know what if any more comments I have.
I’m aware of SMRs but most of the info I’m exposed to about them is either mainstream media. That tends to be more sensational and focuses on how exciting the are instead of on data. Mainstream science reporting is better but such articles commonly rehash the basics, like simply describing what SMRs are, instead of getting into details like projected development timelines.
I can check whether anyone in the forecasting community, either in or outside of EA, are asking those questions. Others in EA who’ve studied or worked in a relevant field may also know more or know someone who does. Please let me know if you otherwise know of sources providing more specific information on the future of SMRs.
In the tweet you’ve linked to, Patrick Collison’s comment on the subject frames the matter as though the dramatic increase in regulation that has slowed down the construction of new nuclear power plants is irrational in general. That may be the case but it was only after the 1950s that problems that nuclear power plants may pose if not managed properly become apparent.
It’s because of nuclear meltdowns that more regulations were introduced. It shouldn’t be surprising if constructing new nuclear power plants even years longer than it took to construct them decades ago. They should take significantly longer to construct at present for them to be constructed and managed safely in perpetuity.
One could argue that at this point it’s been an over-correction and now the construction and maintenance of new nuclear power plants is over-regulated. The case for that specific argument must be made on its own but it wasn’t either by Patrick or the person who posted the original tweet he quote-tweeted/retweeted. I of course appreciate you providing that link to get the point across, and it’s not your fault, but the tweet itself is useless.
The Foreign Policy article they’re quoting is behind a paywall on their website I don’t have access to right now but I’ll try getting access to it. If I do, I can copy-paste its contents into a document I can share privately upon request.
I’ve not taken the time to read in full the other articles to which you’ve linked. Once I have, I’ll reply letting you know what if any more comments I have.