Time to embrace nuclear power
Saturday June 12 2010
Michael Job ('Green energy is only real option', Letters, June 11) is correct. Up to a point. Green energy has an important role to play in our future energy mix. My only quibble with Mr Job is that he seems to believe that hydro and wind are the sole constituents of green energy.
We have already exhausted all our sources of hydro and wind is not reliable. For example, during the first three months of this year, wind supplied a mere 10pc or less of total energy despite constituting some 20pc of total generating capacity.
On many days -- today being a good example -- it provides even less than 10pc.
So, how is the remaining demand to be met?
I include nuclear power among the other green energies. It is reliable, cost-effective, clean and safe. What more can we ask for?
I see our future power supply consisting mainly of nuclear, wind and gas -- the latter to support wind but to be gradually phased out as nuclear capacity increases.
I support Mr Job's plea for serious planning to be started immediately -- otherwise it will be too late.
David Sowby
Dublin 18
Irish Independent
