Alas, you're proving my point
Don't get me wrong; I think the technology of the modern nuclear powered submarine is a triumph of modern engineering that was not even imaginable even a few decades ago. But at what price? The Virginia type nuclear submarine costs 2.6 billion dollars each, and the newest generation of nuclear submarines are looking at cost overruns of around 1 billion dollars each, so that initial estimates of 7.2 billion/submarine will probably be upped to 8.2 billion dollars per, with the first of its class estimated to be completed for 13 billion dollars. These numbers prompted Defense Sec'y Gates to say:
?We have to ask whether the nation can really afford a Navy that relies on $3 billion to $6 billion destroyers, $7 billion submarines and $11 billion carriers,? Gates told the annual Navy League conference. ?It is reasonable to wonder whether the nation is getting a commensurate increase in capability in exchange for these spiraling costs.? (from May 21, 2010 Bloomberg)
We just keep coming back to the reality that this is the biggest corporate socialist project going, and we can no longer afford to keep playing.
New wind generated electricity is coming in at around 9 cents/kwh while new nuclear power will cost over 17 cents/kwh. That's why it will continue to grow, and the nuclear power industry will continue to founder on finding customers not only to finance the outrageously huge investments, but also to find customers who will buy the electricity.
No offense to your metaphor, but the renewables are like investing in children who will grow up and support you in good time, vs. putting your money in only the very best, top of the line hired help, available to do your every whim at exhorbitant hourly rates, even though you yourself are on a limited budget. Most folks will take their chances with raising family, and be feel much more enriched than the best that money can buy.
