Meeting: Thursday 7:30pm, Wisconsin Energy Institute
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What can High Speed Rail Learn from Nuclear Energy?
Transportation in the United States has a huge carbon issue. From airliners to most Amtrak trains, to personal automobiles; transportation primarily relies on carbon-based fuels (although electric vehicles and natural gas have made some inroads). Nuclear fission provides a solution, both for electricity and for the production of hydrogen gas that can be used to de-carbonize transportation. However, for decades nuclear fission energy has had a very bad image. Nuclear energy is connected with nuclear bombs and world annihilation due to nuclear war. Not a good connection in the public mind. Additionally, there were the accidents at Chernobyl (Russia), 3-mile Island (US), and Fukushima; which everyone also remembers.
However, there are significant similarities between high-speed rail and nuclear energy. Both rely heavily on civil engineering and can take decades to build. More importantly, both will cost billions of dollars to build, and it is unknown if either will ever be profitable without government support.
Although, in the past decade, there has been a radical change in opinion on nuclear. It began with the identification of nuclear as a carbon-free energy source several decades ago…and most recently resulted in the passage of the Advance Act this past July (this law is expected to launch the micro-reactor industry). The question is, how did nuclear manage to get bi-partisan support when high-speed rail still struggles?
First, is messaging. Both political parties have an interest in nuclear energy. The Republicans love nuclear because it provides for a more secure and predictable energy source. For example, oil and natural gas prices fluctuate day to day and are influenced by global supplies. Nuclear will provide reliable energy with the need to only refuel every few years. Meanwhile, Democrats fell in love with nuclear because it is a carbon-free form of energy that will curb global warming. As a result, both political sides have come to support nuclear energy
Second, energy is a commodity. To the voter, it doesn’t matter where the energy comes from. Only that when something is plugged into the socket the energy flows all the time. It doesn’t matter if the energy is coming from a solar farm, coal plant, or nuclear plant…just that the energy is cheap and reliable. The problem here is that transportation is a commodity, but also an identity to people. After all, an automobile is the second most expensive purchase an individual will make in their life (home ownership is first). As a result, Americans see their cars as part of their identity, which is an issue.
Third, nuclear energy is seen as mysterious and futuristic. With the talk about fusion energy, fission energy recognition is also getting a boost. While most Americans will not recognize the difference, people look at nuclear as a mysterious power from the sun, which makes it more attractive and futuristic than natural gas or oil. High speed rail needs to make itself look attractive and futuristic in the same way.
Fourth, is Innovation. Many new reactor technologies are coming onto the market in the next few years. This means that no longer will large and ugly cooling towers climb into the sky as with old nuclear plants; but rather tomorrow’s reactors will be small, self-sufficient units that look no different than a garage. More importantly, innovation in nuclear energy is moving from government-sponsored to privately sponsored innovation.
Learning from nuclear:
So what can high-speed rail learn from nuclear? First, it is all about messaging. High-speed needs to be positioned to benefit both political parties. The Democrats support high-speed rail already because it is more sustainable than other forms of transportation and will connect large cities. However, the Republicans need to find the message that high-speed rail will connect small rural cities and new job opportunities. Furthermore, high-speed rail will make everyone more productive no matter the political party. Afterall on the train, no one will be sitting in traffic on freeways for several hours each day being completely unproductive.
Then high-speed rail needs to be advertised as futuristic and innovative. After all, this perspective is what made the hyperloop a worldwide phenomenon back in 2016. This is where having Amtrak take the lead in high-speed rail is a problem. The lead needs to be taken by a new organization without the image problems of the past. Luckily Brightline fits this need, but more are needed.
Next, there is the need for private investment and innovation. Again, this is being done with Brightline, but what makes the headlines are Amtrak’s service delays and California's High-Speed Rail budget problems as the reason we should not build high-speed rail. Ironically, nuclear has the same issue with its Vogtle power plant which was double the budget and took decades to build. However, nuclear is overcoming this with innovation as small modular reactors being produced by new startups.
Finally, the goal needs to be to make transportation a commodity. This is going to happen naturally when Brightline West begins operations. Even though Americans love their cars, they will love those cars less when they are being passed by a Brightline West train going 115 miles faster than they are on Interstate 15 from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Then of course the train will be more reliable, and maybe even cheaper (depending on the energy source) than driving their car.
Again there is so many lessons to be learned from the nuclear power industry for high-speed rail. Both are mega projects, with billion-dollar budgets and take decades to build. However, nuclear just got a major political boost with the Advance Act of 2024. High-speed rail needs to follow in nuclear’s footsteps.
Why Las Vegas Needs Brightline
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport is the eighth busiest airport in the nation; beating out Washington Dulles, Miami, and even San Francisco. However, at only 2,800 acres it is also the smallest airport of the top 10 busiest. For comparison, Atlanta Hartsfield is 4,700 acres; Orlando is 11,600 acres, and even LAX is 3,500 acres. This means Las Vegas airport is one of the densest airports in the nation with very little room to grow.
Going back to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the largest market for Las Vegas is Los Angeles. Over 1.3 million passengers traveled by air between Los Angeles and Las Vegas in 2023. However, because the airport is so small it is also subject to substantial delays. This results in only 74% of flights arriving on time, with an average delay of 59 minutes. Compare this to Chicago O’Hare which has an 80% on-time rate, even though Chicago’s weather is much more challenging.
Which brings up a very interesting experience. Last week at Las Vegas, Michael experienced a 20-minute delay on the aircraft pushing back from the gate due to congestion, followed by a 75-minute taxi to the runway; even though the weather was clear. With 1.3 million passengers at Harry Reid being Los Angeles passengers; Brightline West will directly reduce congestion at Harry Reid by at least 5% as Los Angeles passengers move to Brightline. Which is great news. However, had Brightline been extended to LAX Airport, we would even see a potential 10-15% reduction in congestion at Las Vegas Airport. Again, this is a story of where transportation investment needs to be considered on a network scale.
Ask AI: What is it like to ride the Shinkansen:
There is something utterly exhilarating about the notion of speed, especially when it comes to trains. Riding the Japanese Shinkansen, famously known as the “bullet train,” stands out among thrilling experiences. This extraordinary train flings passengers through Japan's stunning landscapes at speeds reaching 185 miles per hour. Imagine catching views you might have missed on slower journeys.
This post takes you into the heart of what it's like to board the Shinkansen for the first time, experience the rush of high velocity, and understand why it's a journey many dream of.
Boarding the Shinkansen: A Seamless Experience
As boarding begins, passengers are greeted by polite staff, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The interiors of the Shinkansen are equally impressive. With plush, reclining seats and ample space, these trains feel more like a luxury experience than public transport.
The spaciousness is enhanced by large windows, offering unobstructed views of Japan's beautiful countryside. Expect to see cherry blossom trees in full bloom, and traditional homes nestled in the hills—all within the first hour of your ride.
Both standard and green-class cabins are equipped with essential amenities, including power outlets and onboard restrooms. Travelers can also enjoy food and beverage services, allowing them to sample popular Japanese snacks like onigiri (rice balls) and bento boxes as they watch the scenery whiz by.
The Moment of Departure
As the journey commences, excitement fills the air. With a gentle push, the Shinkansen departs and quickly accelerates to its remarkable speeds. Riders often mention how smooth the sensation is—nothing like the jolting movements typical of slower trains. Instead, it feels like a gentle glide through the landscape.
The thrilling realization that you are moving past beautiful vistas at such breathtaking speeds can be both serene and exhilarating. Imagine, in just 12 minutes, you could travel from Tokyo to Yokohama, which is roughly 20 miles apart.
Experiencing the Speed
Once the train hits its cruising speed, passengers are enveloped in a feeling of freedom.
Shinkansen journeys eliminate traditional travel stresses. There’s no swaying back and forth, no unnerving jerks. Passengers enjoy a cinematic experience as the stunning scenery changes before their eyes.
Many first-time travelers are amazed by how their senses are heightened. A ride at such speeds is simply a unique experience that stays with you long after disembarking.
The Scenic Route
One of the most memorable parts of riding the Shinkansen is the breathtaking views through the window. As the train snakes across Japan, you encounter bustling cities, ancient temples in the mountains, and tranquil lakes that reflect nature's beauty.
Each minute on the journey offers a visual feast—witnessing the contrast between the vibrant modern skyline of cities like Osaka and the gentle, pastoral scenes of rural Japan. Each transition feels like a new chapter in a storybook.
Arriving at Your Destination
As the Shinkansen approaches its final stop, the transition remains smooth. Passengers receive ample notice, avoiding any panic or last-minute rush. The train gradually slows to an almost silent stop, giving an impression of weightlessness.
Disembarking comes with mixed emotions—excitement for the destination ahead alongside a hint of sadness that the ride has come to an end so quickly.
A Memorable Adventure Awaits
Riding the Japanese Shinkansen at speeds of 185 miles per hour is not just about getting from point A to B; it's an unforgettable experience. From the intricately designed stations to the stunning views outside your window, every moment on this bullet train becomes a cherished memory.
Whether you are an adrenaline seeker or someone who appreciates culture, the thrill of riding the Shinkansen is unforgettable. So, pack your bags, reserve a ticket, and get ready for an adventure that you will talk about for years to come!
The Faster Badger is produced by students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to help break through the misconceptions of high-speed rail and high-speed transportation. This blog is for educational purposes only and all opinions presented are of the students.
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