A question for the writer of the EMP article. Though the
article was informative, he, like pretty much everyone else that writes about
EMP’s or other forms of grid failure, completely ignores the 900 # gorilla in
the room. Can we expect the 100+ nuclear power plants in the country to have
meltdowns when the grid can no longer supply the power these plants need? In
particular, what about the spent fuel pools? My understanding is that they have
emergency generators and anywhere from a few days to a few weeks worth of fuel
on hand but even if somehow those generators weren’t damaged by the EMP, I
somehow doubt the government has realistic plans to keep them fueled and care
for the workers needed to run the nuke plants. Thanks. – B.U.
Hugh Replies: This is an issue that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is
aware of, and, if their literature is to be believed, is actively preparing
for. According to their web site, the NRC has been
dealing with this exact issue for 30 years and has stringent controls in place
to ensure the outcome. They believe that as of two years ago, nuclear plants in
the United States can shut down safely. It would be good to hear from someone
knowledgeable on the subject as to how that relates to the real world.
From the Survival Blog
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