One area of nuclear power being neglected is the use of alpha and beta emitters that can be separated fron reactor waste. These particles can be safely contained by aluminum the thickness of a soda can. Strontium 90 is probably the best fuel for this use. The burial of 97% of the energy content of uranium fuel is the most ridiculous thing the DOE has in its plans.
Mmmm. Depends on the definition of "safe". If "safe" means "radiation won't get through the aluminum", then yes. If "safe" means "won't ever fall into the hands of Al-Qaeda", it gets harder to see how to use these materials in any widespread "safe" way.