Bad arguments for nuclear power

The left-liberal daily La Repubblica writes that Italy's return to nuclear power is spurred by economic interests but makes little sense: "It is clear as daylight why France wants to build nuclear power plants in Italy. The deal is extremely attractive for the French energy company Areva, especially since ... after parting ways with its once loyal German partner Siemens it is now keen to look out for number one. ... But it is less clear why this should happen in Italy of all places. The arguments for developing an independent power supply are watertight. ... The arguments for keeping up with technological progress, by contrast, are shaky at best. All experts agree that the technology of the third generation nuclear power plants is an interim solution. Fourth generation plants, which produce no nuclear waste, should be ready by 2030. Is it sensible to build nuclear power plants that will be obsolete at most five years after completion (2025 if all goes well)?"

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