The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster seems to be having a bigger impact on energy policy in Europe than in Japan itself. While the Japanese say they are sticking with nuclear power, Switzerland and Germany both are moving to phase it out. But their decisions are based on fear, rather than sound science. And Canada would do well not to follow in their footsteps.
Germany has shut down eight of its 17 reactors, and voted last week to close the rest by 2022. Switzerland’s lower house of parliament voted to phase out its five reactors by 2034. Both decisions were made in reaction to public campaigns -not on the basis of counsel supplied by scientific experts.
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By and large a good article – there are some bones to pick with his “facts” – it’s far from proven that anthropogenic CO2 emissions have ANY measureable affect on climate, so I find the whole “we’re warming the planet with oil, therefore nuclear is acceptable” meme objectionable.
Nuclear power can stand on its own two feet with a documented history as a viable and safe energy source, thank you very much. And while the article does correctly point out that the up-front construction costs of nuclear power are extremely high while the generating costs are extremely low, he fails to mention the real culprit behind the fact that nuclear power is more expensive than coal or oil: government interference (not to mention graft – especially in Ontario) an over-regulation designed to appease anti-nuclear activists, not for scientific or prudent risk managment practices.
Thanks Fred. I have no knowledge regarding this situation but what you say rings a bell. I hope people pick up and ignorant politicians “butt out”.
These people we elect are not exactly “brain surgeons” when it comes to this kind of thing and should know when to leave “well enough” alone. Unfortunately, they don’t and we pay the price for their ignorance as they motor on completely oblivious of the obvious, pandering on to all and sundry (the MSM — as if they matter — and they don’t).