Advancing understanding of public policy issues in the utility industry through the Wisconsin Idea
Renaissance or Reconsideration? Nuclear Power Post-Fukushima
Renaissance or Reconsideration? Nuclear Power Post-FukushimaNovember 16-17, 2011 |
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Because this program is of such importance to our energy industry as a whole, we are able to offer the following fee structure as a result of a generous grant from the University of Wisconsin Energy Institute and the UW Madison Engineering Physics Department. Non-members: $75 Faculty and students $25 Members: $50 Legislative and public service staff are eligible for full scholarships, please contact s...@wpui.org Overview:Will nuclear power experience a renaissance in the U.S.? Will other countries take the lead in building new reactors? The March 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant shone a spotlight on safety concerns over nuclear power. Yet safety is one of several important concerns that the nuclear power industry is encountering as it seeks to meet a growing demand for inexpensive, low-carbon energy around the world. This summit, featuring nationally recognized experts on nuclear energy, will take a “big picture” look at some of the most pressing issues in nuclear power today, including cost, safety, spent fuel, and proliferation. Topics covered will include: Cost: What drives the costs in construction and maintenance of nuclear plants, and what is the future picture for capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, and construction time? Supply Chain: What is the outlook for availability of materials and human capital to build new and maintain existing power plants? Safety:What is the safety assessment process for nuclear plants, and what aspects are being reevaluated following the Fukushima accident? Spent Fuel: What are the recommendations from the Department of Energy’s Blue Ribbon Commission on managing the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle, and what do they mean for nuclear power plants in Wisconsin? Proliferation: Are our current international safeguards sufficient? American Competitiveness: Will the U.S. be a large consumer of nuclear technology in the future, a large supplier, both, or neither? Public Perception: How do our brains respond to the risks involved with nuclear power, and what are the proper ways to communicate technologies that involve risk? Presenters:
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The activities of the Institute follow the "Wisconsin Idea" of applying the resources of the University to meet the need for information outside of the University's boundary. The Institute achieves its mission through the exchange, creation, integration, transfer and application of knowledge. It provides forums for discussion, dialog, and debate on public policy issues. It engages innovative programming enhanced by creative use of advanced information technologies and effective communication techniques. Furthermore, it fosters research that enriches and complements its information and education programs and services.