This story is Part 3 in a series on the future of nuclear power. Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here. The future of fusion energy is right around the corner. You’ll find it off Massachusetts Avenue, on Albany Street in Cambridge. It’s on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in an old, low-rise, brown brick […]
Bruce Gellerman
WBUR
Posted inArticle, Environment
Big Plans For Small Nuclear Plants
The urgency of global warming has created a dilemma: how to reduce carbon emissions while electrifying the world economy. Wind and solar will play a big role, but in many places they won’t be enough. That’s where The Nuclear Option comes in. New, small reactors are taking shape, and in some cases literally, ship shape. And these updated reactor designs are sparking new interest in nuclear power.
Posted inArticle, Environment
To Combat Climate Change, Do We Need The Nuclear Option?
To avert a global climate catastrophe, scientists warn, we must “decarbonize” the world’s economy by mid-century. That means making dramatic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Clean, renewable energy resources are coming on line, but solar and wind are intermittent and the transition will take time. There is another carbon-free energy source that is strong, steady, and available. But there’s a catch. Bruce Gellerman has the first of three reports on the future of nuclear power.
Posted inArticle, Environment
It’s Electri-Flying: Cape Air Pioneers Flights Without Fossil Fuels
Thirty years ago, Cape Air made its maiden voyage from Boston to Provincetown. Since then, the Hyannis-based regional carrier has grown from three planes and one route to more than 100 aircraft serving 35 destinations from the Northeast to the Midwest. Now, the little airline that could — and did — is set to make […]
Posted inArticle, Environment
In An Identical Simulator, Pilgrim Operators Prep For Shutdown
After 46 years of generating electricity, controversy and community concerns over safety, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth today is shutting down for good. While the precise time of the “cold shutdown” is secret, Pilgrim has been planning for this day for months, and operators of the nuclear plant have been training for the historic shutdown at a special off-site facility.
Posted inArticle, Business
Runners, Spectators Brave The Elements At The Boston Marathon
WBUR’s Martha Bebinger and Bruce Gellerman were at the Boston Marathon Monday. They talked to both runners, and spectators, who braved the elements for…
Posted inArticle, Business, Education, Environment, Politics
Last Coal-Burning Power Plant In Mass. Shuts Down
The last coal-fired power plant in Massachusetts — and the largest in New England — shut down for good on Wednesday. For more than 50 years, the massive…
Posted inArticle, Business, Environment
Connecticut Energy Decision Places Renewable Projects Over Gas Pipelines
A decision by Connecticut energy officials could have a major impact on New England. The decision pulls the plug on plans to construct more natural gas…
