Quō Vādis Nuclear Power ???

Now here is an interesting contrast:

a. Germany wants to shut down all its nuclear power plants by 2022:

https://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Germany-Aims-To-Close-All-Nuclear-Plants-By-2022.html

b. The US, on the other hand, is making it possible for our nuclear plants to operate for 80 years - twice their original planned lifespan:

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/fpls-turkey-point-first-us-nuclear-plant-to-get-license-out-to-80-years/568593/

As a 25 year veteran of the nuclear industry, I can attest to two things:

1. It is feasible, with the proper inspections and maintenance, to extend the life of a nuclear plant. Typically the reactor vessel is the limiting component, and as long as it stays intact things should be fine.

2. However, plant operators and managers do EXTREMELY dumb things. Knowing this I find it hard to believe we haven't had more nuclear accidents.

Whether or not we continue to operate nuclear plants, the US needs a plan for what to do with spent fuel and high level nuclear waste. We don't really have one, and that fact will continue to bite us in the ass for eons to come.