....I really hope they can figure out some safe an clean nuclear power ........ "
Jim
When I was 20 years old I found in a night a truckload full of documents from KWU / Siemens in a garbage dump near Erlangen, which was my place of residence and the headquarters of the KWU.
In the documents we found secret construction plans for nuclear power stations in Germany and England, tapes, test-protocols, very sensitive personnel documents (”XY is always drunk.”). In addition the communication with the official authorities (TÜV) who were responsible for the approval and testing of the power plants. It was communicated amicably with first names (not usual in D) as the contact persons at TÜV/Munich were former colleagues.
Frightening: It was openly discussed that weld seams in the cooling circuit tear, even though the best material had been used and the seams had been checked with ultrasound, X-rays and other methods. At that time there was no explanation why the structure/strength of the metals changed due to the radioactive water. O-Ton examiners: "Bring that in order, but you can go on."
Since there was no Greenpeace and Internet at that time, we turned to a large newspaper (Spiegel). She offered us money for the documents, but did not want to report on it, because the topic was "too hot". That was not our plan and money not our intension. We then gave the documents to a large local dayli newspaper that contacted the KWU.
After less than 48 hours, a public prosecutor, several officials and two police officers appeared in the editorial office who confiscated the documents. Argument: "The security of the Federal Republic of Germany would be endangered by the publication of the documents." This find received the status "top secret". Both was absolutly unusual, editorial office where "safe areas" for informations at that time.
Even today, in 2021, there are incidents in nuclear power plants, in which weld seams tear inexplicably and screws/bolts break off.
43 years later problems not sold? - Nobody should tell me that nuclear power is safe!
By the way, that's the only thing in my life where I wish it would have gone differently. If I had these documents today, it would result in a scandal and a change with regard to nuclear power - 100% -
THAT would be safe.
Thomas aus LAU