The word "Nuclear" is not a simile to 'Satan'

OK then......

1/. A light water nuclear reactor is used to generate power. - good
2/. A heavy water nuclear reactor is used to create weapons-grade Plutonium. - bad

"Light Water" = H2O
"Heavy Water" = 2H2O also known as deuterium oxide.


A light-water reactor is basically a 'kettle'. Really simply, the nuclear rods are put into a tank of water. This creates steam from the boiling water. The steam goes down a pipe and heats water in another tank to, again, create steam. This steam spins a turbine which, in turn, spins a generator to make electricity. The water in the first tank, which had direct contact with the fuel rods, is radioactive. The water in the second tank is not, as it has no direct contact with the radioactive fuel rods or the radioactive steam.

The trick with generating nuclear power in Australia is not being stupid enough to 'build your own'. GE Nuclear is one of a few companies which supply reactors 'off-the-shelf'. Their ESBWR is a generation III reactor and is one of their most advanced. Google "GE Nuclear" and look it up yourself.

If the Australian government decides to go nuclear for power generation, I'm all for it as long as they put in their order to one of major off-the-shelf suppliers.

If they then decide to build it ourselves, I'll be the first one making the 'No Nukes' signs. Some of the signs will also say "Remember MYKI" or "Remember the Sea Sprite helicopter".

Something this important, better not be built by the lowest bidder. Better to have a GE or Westinghouse badge on it.

Bob