nuclear-free energy solutions

Greenpeace executive eyes nuclear-free energy solutions

The Kingston Whig Standard JENNIFER PRITCHETT 17 March 09

Ontario’s plan to spend billions in taxpayer dollars on nuclear power is standing in the way of the province realizing its goal of becoming a true leader in green energy, says the executive director of Greenpeace.

“You can’t say you’re going to be a green leader and be committed to 50% nuclear power,” Bruce Cox said. “It’s Orwellian.”

Cox, who’ll be speaking in Kingston tonight, argued for nuclear-free solutions to climate change.

He said nuclear power is “dirty, dangerous, expensive and unnecessary.” …………….. Greenpeace is urging the Ontario government to phase out its Pickering B reactors when they reach the end of their natural life and then abandon plans to install new ones.

Instead of nuclear power, the organization is urging the government to invest in conservation, efficiency and cogeneration — methods to recapture by-products such as steam to use as heat — as well as renewable forms of energy such as wind, solar and biomass.

……………….. Cox also warned people about what he terms as “constant ongoing low-level radiation leaks coming out of the generation process.

“We’ve had two this year dumping into the Ottawa River,” he said. “This is not unusual. It’s ongoing … then after 20-25 years of generation, we’re left with literally tons of radioactive, poisonous waste that takes generations to get rid of. So it’s not green.”

He also challenges the position that nuclear power is affordable.

“Actually, it’s not affordable,” he said. “There’s never been a reactor built on time or on budget. The average cost overrun of a reactor in Ontario is four or five times the original estimate. ”

Finally, Cox disagrees with claims that nuclear power is reliable.

“[Reactors] run at about 62% of their life expectancy,” he maintained. “When a nuclear generator goes down, the province suffers.”

http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1479804

March 17, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Canada, politics