From Chris Osman
I agree with Steve Plater that nuclear fission is not a green way to generate
electricity, but his argument misses the point. Nuclear fission would not be a
better option even if all the energy for its construction came from renewable
energy sources.
It is unsatisfactory for three reasons: 1. It is an intrinsically hostile
technology. The consequences of an accident are awful, and accidents will happen
from time to time. 2. It leaves a legacy for future generations in the form of
radioactive waste. 3. When all costs are taken into account, including the full
costs of dealing with any accidents and secure waste disposal for centuries to
come, it is expensive.
There should be no ceiling on the liability of owners of nuclear plants in
the event of an accident—unlike the situation at present. Renewable energy
sources are more than sufficient for all our needs, and the current high cost of
using them on a large scale is entirely due to the money needed to develop them
being diverted into other technologies, such as nuclear fission.
Aberdeen
