[snopercod]

Sure, improvments in auxiliary systems have no doubt been made since the last time I saw a power plant from the inside. What you say is possible, but what happens when the automatic equipment breaks down?

As for the security issue, you are dreaming if you think the NRC will allow any kind of nuclear plant to run without guards, razor wire fences, dogs, microwave intrusion alarms, CCTV cameras, etc.

And the NRC itself will demand an onsite staff.

And let's not forget that the town in Alaska will still need 100% backup power in case the Shipstone fails.

[Carry_Okie]

What you say is possible, but what happens when the automatic equipment breaks down?

MTBF analysis has yielded to prospective validation, which has become so good in some industries as to virtually preclude such events. Think "zero defects" programs such as at Toyota.

As for the security issue, you are dreaming if you think the NRC will allow any kind of nuclear plant to run without guards, razor wire fences, dogs, microwave intrusion alarms, CCTV cameras, etc.

Razor wire: sure.
Fences: absolutely.
Dogs: maybe, daily visit.
Microwave intrusion alarms: of course.
CCTV cameras, obviously.
Guards: on call.
How about a robotic defense capability?

It's all doable for less than the price of the staff.

I really don't think it impossible. Remember: it's small; it's encased in steel and concrete; there is no fuel or waste storage; there is nothing to be sabotaged without first breaching containment. As for the NRC, well, who the hell knows?