[squiggleblaz]

> One other way of thinking about it though is that this is evidence we can have a program to make specialized small modular reactors fairly economically. So we shouldn’t be so skeptical about proposals we do it for civilian use.

In Australia we occasionally have a discussion about our submarines. I think we have the largest and longest range conventionally powered subs. Should we get nukes? The argument against is we have no industry. (Although, I think, ex prime ministers are significantly more likely to argue for nuclear subs than current prime ministers. That means something.)

I guess they both play off each other. Life works best with nuclear subs and nuclear plants, or without either.

[erentz]

One option that was floated (can’t remember by who) is for Australia to lease new Virginia class submarines from the US. This would essentially mean the US would own the lifecycle aspects of the power plant. Don’t know if it’s a good idea or not.