http://insights.globalspec.com/article/423/u-s-nuclear-power-plants-break-efficiency-records

 

As resident curmudgeon of the forum I have a few complaints about the article. The gain is negligible and is in capacity factor or reliability rather than efficiency in the thermodynamic sense. The formula used to derive results > 100% is absent, as is the fact that these plants are all decades old and built overwhelmingly with yesterday's technology. And "carbon free", for those who care about such matters.

 

Nevertheless, it is so rare for the nuclear industry to get any sort of good publicity, I thought it worthwhile to mention.

http://www.femoranshs.com/solar-power-fire-hazards-article/

 

By contrast, solar thermal plants are somewhat notorious for fires and explosions during their brief periods of service. Solar One became Solar Two and during this period, if I am not mistaken, experienced such an event. it was later converted to a telescope and finally dismantled. A success story? Certainly not in the same way the South Texas Nuclear Project is.