Aging Work Force Poses Nuclear-Power Challenge

The Wall Street Journal ^ | April 11, 2006 | HYUN YOUNG LEE

[TheMightyQuinn]

Plans around the globe to increase reliance on nuclear power face a potential stumbling block: a coming lack of know-how in running and regulating new plants.

In the U.S., the Washington-based Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry group, estimates that half of nuclear-industry employees are more than 47 years old and expects as many as 23,000 retirements and other departures during the next five years -- in an industry that anticipates building 15 new reactors during the next decade.

...

In the U.S., nuclear-engineering undergraduates rocketed to 1,759 in 2004 from 450 in 1999, while the number of postgraduates topped 1,000, twice the previous year's intake, according to a Department of Energy survey.

Andy White, president of General Electric's nuclear arm, said the Fairfield, Conn., company has embarked on a "very heavy-duty recruiting program" since the turn of the century in an effort to shift the U.S. industry's aging profile. "We set it up just in time," he said. "The first new nuclear plants are due to come on line in 2015. By the time we're in the heyday, today's new recruits will have a lot of experience."

[TheMightyQuinn]

Rising energy costs have led to a renewed interest in nuclear energy.

You may be able to access the full article here

[Izzy Dunne]

as many as 23,000 retirements and other departures during the next five years -- in an industry that anticipates building 15 new reactors during the next decade.

Supply and demand - it's not just a good idea.... IT'S THE LAW!

[ran15]

In the U.S., nuclear-engineering undergraduates rocketed to 1,759 in 2004 from 450 in 1999, while the number of postgraduates topped 1,000, twice the previous year's intake, according to a Department of Energy survey.

Good news! Now if the politicians.. Republicans this time will get out of the way, we can start building nuclear plants again.

[Timeout]

If you have kids headed to college, here's a heads up on the future jobs market.

[TheMightyQuinn]

Of course with increase demand, you get:

...renewed interest in nuclear power has pushed up the price of uranium fourfold since 2002.