Live~NRGY

Editorial: Nuclear must be part of Ontario’s energy mix.

This is where we fundamentally disagree with all respect to power generated by nuclear means.

While I would maybe, probably support it if there were better containment and security measures for the disposal of it’s generated waste, as it stands that isn’t the case. There are no viable models ascribed to the longterm storage of nuclear waste and what probable and worst case scenarios can be expected in real life.

Maybe the closest would be all the nuclear at ground level detonations and their aftermaths. Hiroshima and Nagasaki being the best because real people and lives were impacted and devastated.

Besides, if memory serves me correctly it costs arms and legs to maintain these things in top shape, shutdowns means we have to go elsewhere to rely on other backup power measures, and delays, discussions and what to do when these things fail or must be shutdown because of end of lifecycles are simply re-enforcing the logic and fact that nuclear options are not our best options.

There are also extenuating exceptional circumstances of seismic activity with the potential for disasters of unimaginable scale in terms of radioactive leaks and displaced lives.

Of course these are all worst case scenarios – but still real and dare I say no one in their right minds would want any of them to come to life. But they remain real and present dangers.

So who as always foots the bill for all of the above. As in the cancelled gas plant, always the consumer’s pocket.

We want nuclear options, then let politicians pay for it out of their own pockets. Simple enough and if they can’t put it down on paper, it ain’t worth it to have further discussions on the issue.

More environmentally favourable solutions are available and getting better by the day as technology progresses.

One last thing. On the 10 anniversary of the 2003 blackout, NRGY shortage or lack thereof wasn’t the issue. Apparently as it was again recently re-cast – some type of failsafe switch kicked in to protect the system from overload between the U.S. & Ontario Power Grid. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Building up the power supply was besides the point. As was conservation – that I believe was in part due to general NRGY conservation efforts as well as Kyoto and Carbon credits and yadda yadda yadda consumer awareness programs.

So with all of that said, what say you ???