The UK government has decided to embark on a program of building new nuclear powerstations, to cover the country's energy needs in decades to come. Supplies of oil and gas are finite, and to prevent the lights going out later this century, alternative sources of energy are needed.
Apart from nuclear power, renewable energy sources like wind, water and waves will also be tapped into. A massive programme of off-shore windturbines is set to come on stream, and we in the Western Isles quietly hope that that will kill off the proposed windfarm in Lewis.
The Scottish government has responded by saying that it will oppose any new nuclear power stations under its jurisdiction. As the Scottish government has devolved powers over planning applications, this means they can block any plans the UK government has for building nuclear plants in Scotland. Holyrood has stated that Scottish energy requirements can wholly be met by renewable energy.
I'm not terribly happy with nuclear energy, until such time as the vexed issue of waste is dealt with in a safe manner. At the moment it is not. Once it has become unusable, some forms of nuclear waste will remain radio-active for thousands of years. Any solution will have to be safe over a period of centuries. And chucking it down a deep hole is NOT safe. The British Isles are not geologically inert, we do get earthquakes and movement of the earth's crust.
Just the thought of a nuclear power station on that area of unstable land makes me cringe. I believe Scotland can stand alone w/its energy requirements and not be dependent on UK programs which have no fail-safe device in place. All that waste, its "hot" for thousands of yrs. Glad to hear about the alternatives being sought out. In this country, ppl are addicted to nukes. Keep updating I'd be interested to know what develops. CATHY
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Thanks for leaving me a comment about Ginger the cat. It means so much! I'm doing much better today. Still we miss her very much. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSonya
It's an interesting turn of events. Suddenly, and it does seem sudden to me..UK is pro nuclear. Sub text might include " Russia and China want a hold on gas....we don't want them to get a hold on us...as potential creditors".
ReplyDeleteI am opposed to nuclear power and I don't hide this fact. Living through the "accident" at TMI along with living within miles of Peach Bottom Nuclear plant make me uneasy when I think about it. Aside from the fact that "accidents" can and WILL without a doubt happen again there are the environmental issues you mention. Nothing good can come from nuclear power and the sooner the public becomes aware of this and takes a stand the better off we will all be. Having read in depth the history of Chernobyl....(which was 100% human error) and knowing personally people who worked at TMI during the "event"....it is not safe and never will be. Sorry to ramble.
ReplyDeleteLisa
It is worrying that nuclear power stations are going to be built in this country. I dare not even imagine what would happen were there a leak or worse, an explosion. The only good thing is that we wouldn`t be reliant on Russia for gas.
ReplyDeleteLove Sandra xxxx
This is a subject I oppose very much to is anything safe ? Have great day Take care God Bless Kath astoriasand http://journals.aol.co.uk/astoriasand/MYSIMPLERHYMES
ReplyDeleteI have the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant about 50 miles from here. I've always wondered what would happen if an accident were to occur. But, I try not to think about it.
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