Sir, Nuclear energy on its own will not solve the problem of global warming (“Why nuclear energy produces hot air”, Comment, May 19). However, the problem of global warming will not be solved without nuclear being in the equation. Those who ignore this are condeming future generations to an uncertain future of power shortages.

The green lobby does not have a monopoly on caring for the environment — my reason for advocating nuclear power is because I care dearly about the future of this planet. When Joan Ruddock says: “But the lights will have to be kept on by other means” it shows a misunderstanding of energy needs and the ability to meet those demands.

The Danes and Irish have led on wind power but know that they can’t go above 20 per cent of baseload otherwise the lights go out when the wind stops. No one would want to go into a hospital for an operation asking the surgeon: “Is the wind blowing today?”.

Renewables need to be developed alongside nuclear power. When the holy grail of fusion is finally developed we can then consider phasing out nuclear fusion reactors, but until we can guarantee our grandchildren the same standard of living that we have then nuclear power cannot be ignored.

The world still has two billion people without mains electricity; the electricity needs of China and India are expanding at unbelievable rates. They want their TV sets, dishwashers and air-conditioning units, and why shouldn’t they?

As a former marine engineer I have always believed that to burn gas to generate electricity should be a criminal offence. To see the most natural energy resource we have wasted in this way in recent years has been unforgivable. To scare people away from nuclear without alternatives that will function in a market economy, that is without subsidies, does not do anyone any favours.

Pavvo Lippenen, as Prime Minister of Finland, was bold enough to take this issue on and succeeded. Tony Blair is now showing that same boldness.

TERRY WYNN, MEP
Chairman of the Forum for Nuclear Energy in the European Parliament

Sir, While Mr Blair may be right to say that “the replacement of nuclear power stations, a big push on renewables and a step-change on energy efficiency, . . . (are) back on the agenda with a vengeance” (Comment, May 18), his failure to make any reference to clean coal technology and carbon sequestration is a source of concern. Coal supplied more than 50 per cent of the UK’s electricity demand last winter and must be part of the solution to the country’s energy needs.

As coal will continue to be a major fuel input globally, it is essential to prove such low carbon technologies and encourage their adoption by the developing economies. Further, if public funds are required to develop replacement nuclear capacity this must not crowd out investment in new coal capacity.

R. H. G. YOUNG
President, British Association of Colliery Management

Sir, Given that nuclear power plants use vast amounts of water, it would be interesting to know how the water crisis was solved so quickly.

DAVID ADAMS
Priors Marston, Warks

Sir, I hope that we can expect the same standards of design and landscaping that were applied to the first nuclear power stations. Trawsfynnydd nuclear power station, in North Wales, is a fitting illustration of how two outstanding designers, the architect Sir Basil Spence and the landscape architect Dame Sylvia Crowe, worked together to introduce an entirely new dimension into the landscape. Of the next generation, we will be watching with interest.

LIZ WHITTLE
Usk, Wales

Explore Letters

• Feedback