December 31st, 2008 10:35 am
Go back 30 years and you’ll see that the green movement was positively against nuclear fuel. It seems odd that 30 years on some of the very same people are placing their hopes on nuclear power to prevent global warming. It may be that we have little choice other than to go Nuclear but “why aren’t we placing more emphasis on cleaner types of energy?” Some governments (Denmark is a good example) have already made great strides in utilising cleaner and safer forms of energy including both wind farms and solar power systems. Introduction of these alternative forms of energy have been very successful so you have to ask why other countries are placing their hopes on Nuclear Power?
The old problems associated with Nuclear Power have by no means gone away. It is still a form of energy with inherent dangers and we still have no good solution to removing nuclear waste! What is keeping us from moving to other forms of energy?
The common argument is that the cost of switching to renewable energy is far more costly than staying with fossil fuels. But what are the hidden costs of staying with fossil fuels or switching to nuclear power?
It is general knowledge that our current fuel resources are running out. With the demand for energy set to increase there is only one possible outcome. More price increases! On the other hand, the alternative energy provided by the Sun, Wind and Water is free and will be available for a very long time.
Harnessing the power of alternative forms of energy may not be cost effective at this time but future developments will surely lead to greater efficiency. For instance, take solar technology. With semiconductor technology advancing in leaps and bounds, solar panels are becoming increasingly efficient. Not so long ago solar panels could only be used with any effectiveness in warmer climates. Today, we see them being used in many types of environment. Indeed, solar technology has advanced so much individuals are investing in their own DIY Solar systems. If people think it worth their while to build and install their own solar power systems then why can’t it be done on a wider scale.
The financial problem of sticking with current energy resources is not just limited to supply. The cost of lowering our CO2 emissions or removal of dangerous waste material is a cost that will stay with us for many years. Alternative forms of energy like solar, wind and Hydro power are all clean and pollutant free. There are no hidden costs to pass on to future generations. The cost of short term thinking is a high price to pay for the future of the planet. Let’s keep nuclear power at a distance. The Sun would be far enough.
Tags: Alternative Forms Of Energy, Forms Of Energy, Fossil Fuels, Fuel Resources, General Knowledge, Good Solution, Great Strides, Leaps And Bounds, Nuclear Fuel, Nuclear Power, Nuclear Waste, Price Increases, Semiconductor Technology, Solar Panels, Solar Power Systems, Solar Technology, Sun Wind, Types Of Energy, Wind And Water, Wind Farms