Going nuclear is the inevitable option

MANY words will be spoken and written about the dismal outcome of the Copenhagen conference. It is predictable that our Green ministers will extol the merits of renewable energy sources in the fight against greenhouse gases.

On November 24, in answer to a parliamentary question, Environment Minister John Gormley replied: "The Government does not believe nuclear power is the answer to our energy needs and would prefer to see greater emphasis on renewable energy sources."

By renewable sources, Mr Gormley presumably means wind power, predominantly. That's fine, as long as the wind blows sufficiently. But, to misquote Van Morrison: "When the wind doesn't blow there'll be days like this." For example, on December 13, between 3pm and midnight, the electricity demand was about 3,700 megawatts; but because of slack conditions, wind only provided 2.7pc of this. Similarly, on December 15 there was barely any perceptible wind and it contributed less than 10pc for most of the day.

There will more days like this, so might we ask Mr Gormley what source of generating capacity he proposes for such days? Indeed, we could go further and inquire about the coming halcyon days when renewables are supposed to provide 40pc. Even if that could provide the full 40pc of the country's needs, in practice there will be days when a mere fraction of this will be produced.

What then? Is it intended that the gap be filled by burning fossil fuels? Is that the spirit of Copenhagen? No, the obvious and inevitable answer is for nuclear power to fill that gap. If Ireland is to survive, it must plan for the inevitable