NB Telegraph-Journal | Readers' Forum
As published on page D7 on October 13, 2004

LETTERS

Nuclear option is safe, reliable

David Coon of the New Brunswick Conservation Council seems to be using funny logic. In the article, "Closing Lepreau would mean cleaner future: conservationist" (Oct. 8), he is quoted as saying, "but if Lepreau is maintained, an equally large oil or coal plant has to also be maintained to produce power when it goes off line."

Point Lepreau has a lifetime capacity factor of just over 82 per cent. The very best wind turbines in the very best locations can achieve a 30 per cent capacity factor. What does he suggest using to make up the difference from all the wind capacity which goes "off-line" whenever the wind dies or gusts outside the design speed?

He is right in suggesting there are things we can do at home to ease the energy burden. It is important to realize that this is not a magical solution. There are limits to what conservation achieves.

If we want the lights to stay on, and if we want to avoid spewing harmful air pollution into the atmosphere, it is time to stop the anti-nuclear dogma and look at the facts. Point Lepreau is an environmentally responsible way to generate large amounts of electricity safely and reliably.

ANDREW DALEY
Hamilton, ON