This is sooo off-topic, and sorry, but I thought Volts fans would appreciate the breaking news from Canada that we've costed the first Small-Modular-Reactor project.
Turns out they went for the largest size of "small", at 300MW, and indeed for four of them at once, basically making for a 1.2GW nuclear power station.
That's the same output as the last hydro project, called "Site C" with a classic lack of poetry, which ran to some $16B, over budget as usual (from $6.8 B originally).
The new, cheaper-concept "SMR" plant will come to: $21B. Over sixteen bucks per watt.
Validating Dave's contention that nuclear is just not going to go anywhere, simply because of money.
Great guest! Great observations about getting boards/politicos to focus on specific inputs and their actual outcomes and the unavoidable tradeoffs as opposed to grandiose statements and everything bagel policies. At least with transit, there are easily measured outcomes. (Riders, rider-miles...) We need this guy or his "climate" doppelganger next time our town updates its "Climate Action Plan," which often results in lots of "action" but not many HPs, charging stations, weatherization projects, EVs... etc.
I can ride the awesome and well-utilized Roaring Fork Transit Authority with 10 minute frequency service on the 40 mile route to Aspen. But wow are the labor costs high to maintain that. Now we're frittering around the edges with stuff like free on-demand mini buses that may cost $40 per two mile ride or something.
I lived in ski town where they made the bus fare free many years ago. I think it's still that way, and mostly it was done because skiers loading with their gear would take five minutes of stumbling to find their fare. "Free Bus" was painted on the side. Some conservatives on the council kept harping on that but were eventually placated by changing the logo to "Free to Rider." Much easier to placate conservatives back then.
I keep thinking "Where are the "robo-buses" for dial-a-ride duty or for frequent service on fixed routes with low ridership? I wouldn't care if they were American-made but somebody probably would.
Loved his thoughts about "painting blue lanes," vs. multi-million dollar infrastructure. I see multi-year "streetscape" "traffic calming" projects, while crosswalk markings wear off in two months.
Chicago here. High density Lakefront bus routes I travel are generally max 15 minute waits. Senior fares make the bus the best option for getting around the city. Always use bus/rail to get to airport. Low density city neighborhoods seem to have less bus frequency. Summer house in Traverse City MI. Trying hard to make small-bus transit work. But buses spoked out to small towns every two hours has trouble getting drivers and consistent ridership. Irregular service and infrequency make it difficult to use instead of a car.
This is sooo off-topic, and sorry, but I thought Volts fans would appreciate the breaking news from Canada that we've costed the first Small-Modular-Reactor project.
Turns out they went for the largest size of "small", at 300MW, and indeed for four of them at once, basically making for a 1.2GW nuclear power station.
That's the same output as the last hydro project, called "Site C" with a classic lack of poetry, which ran to some $16B, over budget as usual (from $6.8 B originally).
The new, cheaper-concept "SMR" plant will come to: $21B. Over sixteen bucks per watt.
Validating Dave's contention that nuclear is just not going to go anywhere, simply because of money.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/small-modular-reactor-nuclear-power-ontario-construction-1.7529338
Great guest! Great observations about getting boards/politicos to focus on specific inputs and their actual outcomes and the unavoidable tradeoffs as opposed to grandiose statements and everything bagel policies. At least with transit, there are easily measured outcomes. (Riders, rider-miles...) We need this guy or his "climate" doppelganger next time our town updates its "Climate Action Plan," which often results in lots of "action" but not many HPs, charging stations, weatherization projects, EVs... etc.
I can ride the awesome and well-utilized Roaring Fork Transit Authority with 10 minute frequency service on the 40 mile route to Aspen. But wow are the labor costs high to maintain that. Now we're frittering around the edges with stuff like free on-demand mini buses that may cost $40 per two mile ride or something.
I lived in ski town where they made the bus fare free many years ago. I think it's still that way, and mostly it was done because skiers loading with their gear would take five minutes of stumbling to find their fare. "Free Bus" was painted on the side. Some conservatives on the council kept harping on that but were eventually placated by changing the logo to "Free to Rider." Much easier to placate conservatives back then.
I keep thinking "Where are the "robo-buses" for dial-a-ride duty or for frequent service on fixed routes with low ridership? I wouldn't care if they were American-made but somebody probably would.
Loved his thoughts about "painting blue lanes," vs. multi-million dollar infrastructure. I see multi-year "streetscape" "traffic calming" projects, while crosswalk markings wear off in two months.
Two of the over-arching points made in this *excellent* conversation RESONATE so loudly with regard to Climate Influence and storytelling:
"Nobody learns from all the previous people that got it and then like it" (this applies to transit and a lot of other things!)
And, Jarrett closing with this idea ... we should all want to be part of building a great city that people want to invest in.
Great episode, David!
Chicago here. High density Lakefront bus routes I travel are generally max 15 minute waits. Senior fares make the bus the best option for getting around the city. Always use bus/rail to get to airport. Low density city neighborhoods seem to have less bus frequency. Summer house in Traverse City MI. Trying hard to make small-bus transit work. But buses spoked out to small towns every two hours has trouble getting drivers and consistent ridership. Irregular service and infrequency make it difficult to use instead of a car.