A chara, – Caroline Hurley (Letters, February 29th) says that the nuclear energy industry is a “regrets” industry best phased out. I wonder by whom is it “regretted”? There are over 420 nuclear power stations up and running in the world producing clean electricity, with more in the pipeline, and all with exceptionally high safety records.
If there is an industry to “regret” one might suggest the industry dependent on fossil fuel which is a leading cause of climate change, death and illness, and biodiversity loss. Indeed, the victorious protesters in Carnsore Point in 1981 resulted in Ireland and the world getting the Moneypoint coal burning, CO2 emitting, climate changing power station, the life of which is being extended until at least 2029 to meet Ireland’s electricity needs.
Consider the Kršco nuclear power plant in Slovenia, successfully generating clean electricity since 1983 and upgraded a number of times to extend its life until 2043.
No technology is risk free, but there is unfounded fear of electricity generated by nuclear power.
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We need to listen to the science. The safety measures installed into these power stations are part of the reason the cost of building is high and much of the information that is disseminated by anti-nuclear power groups is not grounded in science.
Climate change is real, and we need to look at all technologies in order to face the serious crises that we find ourselves in and not be consumed with fear. – Is mise,
CAOIMHÍN WOODS,
Cloughjordan,
Co Tipperary.