At the ANS Nuclear Cafe, Meredith Angwin writes:
Hargraves finds it straightforward to be in favor of continued operation of currently operating LWR like the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant AND in favor of rapid development of LFTRs. I feel the same.
via Prisoner’s Dilemma and New Types of Nuclear Reactors | ANS Nuclear Cafe.
As do I. Honestly, I have been puzzled by the fighting I have seen between proponents of various reactor technologies since not long after I began my investigation of the overall subject a few years ago. Some even seem downright cultish in their single-minded advocacy of their respective favorites, whether it be thorium reactors, integral fast reactors, or something else. Why?
Angwin uses the concept of the “Prisoner’s Dilemma” to illustrate this quite unnecessary conflict, pointing out that when the “prisoners” are able to communicate with each other, they are more likely to mutually make the choice (neither attacking the other) that leads to the greatest benefit for everyone. “Let’s start communicating,” is the takeaway line.
(I have just ordered Hargraves’ book, “Thorium: Energy Cheaper Than Coal,” and look forward to reading it.)
Dear Friend, There are so many new and exciting phenomena being discovered and turned into technologies that will provide us with power in the future that it is mind boggling. We nearly understand the weak force, and that is what will take us into the remainder of this century. Please visit http://www.science.gov, and search for a few things: LENR, Cold Fusion, Dense Plasma Focus, Focus Fusion, Zero Point Energy, and top it off with a look at Graphene and the Alcubierre Effect. If what falls out as a result of your searches doesn’t make your head spin, there is something amiss.
Looking for the open minded,
Paul Maher,
http://www.coldfusionnow.org