Dartmouth Events

Abstract: Radiation Limits, to Energy Innovation” introduces a new type of nuclear reactor in which thorium and uranium fuel is dissolved in molten fluoride salts. Intrinsic passive safety and shipyard-technology steel fabrication lead to electricity cheaper than coal, economically displacing CO2-emitting coal-fired generation. However, billion-dollar regulatory costs prevent innovation. The root cause is unfounded public fear of all ionizing radiation. After Hiroshima, scientific mistruths helped build support for the atmospheric nuclear weapons test ban treaty. Hargraves' talk will provide many examples illustrating the safety and also health benefits of low dose radiation. Yet persisting even today, unscientific regulatory radiation limits add unnecessary costs to nuclear power and keep doctors from administering the best medical care. A new regime of science-based regulation could alleve public fear and unshackle energy innovation, enabling expansion of clean, safe nuclear power to solve the global climate/energy/poverty crises.