In your editorial about water shortages (July 26) you raise percipient points to do with three linked looming problems: the need to provide additional water, energy independence and a stimulus to the economy.
You also suggest that nuclear power could play an important role in helping to solve all three.
It so happens that the Energy Technology System Analysis Programme of the International Energy Agency and the OECD has recently reported that small and medium-sized reactors, of capacity up to 500-600 MW, with cogeneration of district heating and water desalination, are being developed to meet the needs of small countries. Their commercial availability is expected between 2010 and 2030. Reduced size and complexity, as well as inherent and passive safety approaches, result in lower investment cost, shorter construction time and more flexibility. Much of the material for the construction of such plants could be supplied in this country. This, together with the operation of such reactors, could provide employment for hundreds of skilled workers.
We are supported in our advocacy of a rational and objective assessment of nuclear power as part of Ireland’s future energy mix. A number of responsible bodies have also made the same point — these include the ESRI, the Irish Academy of Engineering, Amicus, ICTU, Eirgrid, the ESB and Engineers Ireland. In view of this, it is shocking that the Government persists in refusing to consider nuclear energy.
