A problem that utility companies may face, leading to the closure of nuclear power plants, is the lack of:

The correct answer focuses on the critical issue of waste management associated with nuclear power plants. As utility companies operate nuclear facilities, they generate radioactive waste, which presents long-term storage and disposal challenges. The absence of an effective and secure waste disposal alternative can lead to significant regulatory pressures and public opposition, ultimately resulting in the closure of nuclear plants.

Nuclear waste management is a complex issue that requires careful planning, implementation, and regulation. If there is no established infrastructure or method for safely disposing of high-level nuclear waste, or if existing solutions are inadequate or face community resistance, utilities may find it increasingly difficult to continue operations at these plants. This situation could culminate in the decision to close nuclear facilities despite their potential for providing a low-carbon energy source.

The other choices, while they do present important considerations in nuclear plant operations, do not address the primary concern that can lead to their closure. Insufficient technology for safety, lack of trained personnel, and limited resources for monitoring do affect operational efficiency and safety protocols, but the most pivotal factor leading to plant closures relates to waste disposal—the inability to guarantee a safe and effective means of managing nuclear waste compromises the long-term viability of nuclear power.