People who believe that nuclear reactors are so great and safe can probably save a lot of money by renting property next to a nuclear reactor. Have you done so? Would you like a reactor to be built next to your house?
I have actually lived half a kilometer away from a nuclear reactor. I didn't think twice about it. Itwas a small research reactor at a university campus, of course, but nevertheless, the reason I wouldn't want to live right next to a big energy production reactor is not that I would be afraid it blows up; it's that the plant is a very big building that involves a substantial amount of people, materials and security measures nearby.
That is why it makes sense to build the reactors slightly away from population centers. Not to protect the population, but to avoid annoying it with the presence of a huge energy factory.
Would you rather live right next to a coal plant? They release a lot more radioactivity into the air that a nuclear power plant. Plus, you know, all the other pollutants that they blow into the atmosphere.
Well at least people readily live next to solar power cells and even install them on the roof of their houses. Not claiming it is the solution for everything. But coal and nuclear power are not the only power sources (energy efficiency is another approach).
That is why it makes sense to build the reactors slightly away from population centers. Not to protect the population, but to avoid annoying it with the presence of a huge energy factory.