Title: Bill Gates Expresses Confidence in Bipartisan Support for Nuclear Power Expansion
In a recent interview with Margaret Brennan on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” billionaire Bill Gates discussed the future of nuclear power in the United States. Gates, who is currently involved in the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Wyoming, expressed his belief that support for nuclear energy is high among both Democrats and Republicans.
During the interview, Gates emphasized his desire to see the U.S. build dozens of new nuclear power plants, with a goal of constructing more than 100 in total. He acknowledged the concerns surrounding the safety of nuclear reactors, particularly in light of past incidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. However, Gates assured that the design of the new plant in Wyoming addresses these safety issues.
“A problem when you shut a reactor down is that it still has heat,” Gates explained. “That’s why Chernobyl and Fukushima were problems. Our design, that goes away because since we use this sodium to cool everything, it can absorb all that heat.”
Gates noted that the accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima involved first and second-generation reactors, while third-generation reactors have dealt with safety concerns, albeit at the cost of increased complexity and expensive electricity. The new design, according to Gates, solves the safety problem with a simpler approach, although it requires starting from scratch.
When asked about the political support for nuclear power, Gates expressed confidence that there will be continued backing for expanding America’s nuclear power plants, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election. He cited his interactions with both Republicans and Democrats, saying, “I’d say that the support for nuclear power is very impressive in both parties.”
Gates pointed out that while the reasons for supporting nuclear power may differ between the two parties, with Republicans emphasizing energy security and the potential for exporting the technology worldwide, and Democrats valuing its clean energy aspects, both sides recognize the importance of nuclear energy.
Furthermore, Gates stressed the strategic benefits of U.S. leadership in the nuclear power space. He argued that it is crucial for the United States to be at the forefront of nuclear technology to ensure that reactors around the world are not made by adversaries. This leadership position not only creates economic opportunities and jobs but also allows for proper oversight to prevent the diversion of materials for military purposes.
“You really don’t want the nuclear reactors around the world made by your adversaries because it’s economically a huge job creator and because the materials involved in these reactors possibly could be diverted,” Gates cautioned. “You want your eye on, you know, making sure that it’s not feeding into some military-related activity.”
As the construction of the new nuclear power plant in Wyoming progresses, Gates’ comments shed light on the potential for nuclear energy to play a significant role in the future of the United States’ energy landscape. With bipartisan support and a focus on safety and strategic benefits, the expansion of nuclear power in America may be on the horizon.
The interview with Bill Gates on “Face the Nation” underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the role of nuclear power in addressing energy security and climate change concerns. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the perspectives of influential figures like Gates are likely to shape the direction of energy policy in the coming years.
