Stigma hinders nuclear power -

State-owned generator and retailer Meridian Energy believes there are several reasons why there would be little sense in New Zealand taking the nuclear path, despite the nation's growing thirst for electricity and accelerating concerns about greenhouse gas-induced climate change.
However, chief executive Dr Keith Turner says it may only be 10 years until technology overcomes the economic disadvantages of having nuclear power in New Zealand, although the social stigma will probably remain.
Using nuclear energy to generate power is currently prohibited in nuclear-free New Zealand. Recent attempts to debate whether some form of nuclear power may be appropriate have caused an uproar, but the issue remains in the public consciousness as New Zealanders continue their opposition to new hydro-electricity projects and to burning coal to generate power.
While the Government has made it clear the nuclear-free policy is not up for review, across the Tasman uranium-rich Australia has begun debating the pros and cons of nuclear power.
In Meridian's Choices report, Turner said 442 nuclear plants in 30 countries generated 16 per cent of the world's power. Projections were that at least another 60 plants would be built in the next 15 years.
Twenty-four of the last 34 nuclear power stations commissioned were in Asia.
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"The main impediment to nuclear power in New Zealand is its social acceptance. However, there are also significant economic and technical issues that make nuclear power an unlikely option for this country."
These included:
The cost – nuclear power stations were generally regarded as twice as expensive as gas-fired stations.
The scale – nuclear power plants were run at full capacity and could not be altered to meet demand, which would have a significant impact on the way other New Zealand power stations were used.
Fuel supply and waste – New Zealand would be at the mercy of overseas suppliers for fuel and could not store waste for any period of time because of the threat of earthquakes.
Industry and infrastructure – significant infrastructure was needed for the construction and operation of nuclear plant, along with an associated industry providing training for specialist engineers, management systems and expertise in critical fields such as fuel transport and waste handling.