Nukes vs Climate Change?

Press Release 14 August 2003

The last few days have seen red faces all over the European nuclear industry as it faces the heat.

Nuclear energy it seems, far from being the often cried solution to climate change, appears to fail dismally under extreme climate conditions.  Because of the extreme heat generated in nuclear reactions, coolant is an absolute necessity. At temperatures of 50 degrees C, safety systems breakdown.  In Europe temperatures reached 48 degrees, resulting a shut down of half of nuclear power stations in France.

Of more concern is the apparent disregard for safety standards when put under pressure.  In order to minimize electricity shut downs, reactors were allowed to disregard  environmental standards, releasing higher temperature water into the ecosystem.

What will the impact of this extra heated water be on the pipes.  The cooling system will be under pressure, leaks in the pipes may develop, pipes may fracture.

Surely the most sensible thing to do is to shut down the reactors until the ambient temperature returns to safe levels for operating a nuclear reactor.

It appears that the attempt to keep the nuclear industry going at all costs is more about nuclear engineers saving face.  The engineers are determined to solve the problem despite the risks to the environment and public.

The lessons are clear.  Nuclear power generates few benefits but carries enormous risks.
For South Africa, the European crisis provides a small window into the future if we proceed down the nuclear road.

We are at the crossroads, let us take the alternative route.  Renewable energy will provide jobs, electricity on a sustainable basis without the risks.  Rather than perpetuating the excesses of dirty energy of the past, let us take the high road, focusing on clean, environmentally cool energy!