14 January 2008

Letters On Nuclear Power

The Guardian, 14th January:

The government's own figures show that there is the potential to save more than 30% of all energy used in the UK solely through energy-efficiency measures which would also save more money than they cost to implement. Moreover, about two-thirds of the energy used in electricity generation from large, centralised power stations is wasted before it ever reaches our homes, and by itself accounts for a full 20% of UK CO2 emissions. That's why combined heat-and-power stations, which capture and use-waste heat, must have a crucial role to play, alongside investment in renewables. Nuclear power, by contrast, would lock us into a centralised distribution system at precisely the time when local distribution networks offer more potential than ever.
Dr Caroline Lucas
MEP, Green Party

Most of the gas we use is for heating and hot water, or for industrial purposes. Nuclear power, which only supplies electricity, cannot replace that energy. Meanwhile almost all oil is used for transport - nuclear power can't take its place either. In fact, 86% of our oil and gas consumption is for purposes other than producing electricity, so nuclear power is an almost irrelevant response to our fuel dependency. What will work is energy efficiency, cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels, renewables and decentralised energy. Together they can deliver reliable low-carbon energy quicker and cheaper. They are also safer and globally applicable, unlike nuclear.
John Sauven
Executive director, Greenpeace UK

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

We may say nuclear power plant can be a thread for some ideological reasons, but to say it is irrelevant regarding our fuel dependence it is at least approximative !
1/-France massively warm up home and water with last generation induction cooker and electric heating. my mum on 240m/2 mansion heat, boil water, and cook only with electricity and it cost 600£/year ! This is possible with high quality glazing, highest efficiency rate appliances, proper insulation materials. Electricity from nuclear power plant in France is 80% of the total production meaning one of the cheapest in Europe, without the external dependency of the oil, avoiding replace exotic government's when not at our taste...
2/-Most of the commuters in Coventry are making a journey of less than 20km in average, it mean at today with an electric car most of the people can go and return home !