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Quote by: xyzer  gallo hits on the basic factor in storage. Sure uraniun 235 is radioactive but it has to reach 'critical mass' to detonate |
Right, but we're not talking about detonation. We are talking about power generation from a sustainable fission reaction. Natural uranium doesn't contain enough U235 (~0.7%) to get a critical mass. Enriched uranium has about 3.3% U235 and can, with a moderator, achieve a critical mass. Other reactors, like the breeder reactors, may use more highly enriched uranium. Weapons grade uranium is also highly enriched. The same is true of plutonium. Weapons don't have a moderators.
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and when depleted can be stored so that it doesn't.
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Spent fuel cannot be configured to achieve critical mass. Preventing critical mass isn't a consideration in storage of spent fuel.
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It's my understanding that our, some one hundred, nuclear power plants develop 20% of out power needs.
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There are currently 66 commercial power reactors in the U.S. There are other government reactors that are used for other purposes, as well as reactors at several universities.