So...your solution is to assume ANY power generation system has to be 100% safe? Because that isn't possible.
There is inherent risks just in the act of generating power, the idea that you could make a risk-free system is impossible, its an engineering fantasy.
Nuclear gives us more 'bang' (hehe) per buck, uses FAR less fuel than coal, and if the system is operating within specifications releases minimal radiation.
Nuclear power won't progress because if its up to for-profit companies they'd never use it because its not CHEAP. Its fairly clean, EXTREMELY efficient, but its not cheap like coal or natural gas.
Why do you think they are pushing so hard in the US for natural gas and coal? Because the fuel is so cheap and abundant. That's it. They don't care about 'how clean it is' or the fact that they are both fossil fuels.