Nuclear is the only viable source of fuel

Re Time to use an alternative to nuclear energy (Scarborough News, August 4): The problem with the statement is simply this, there is no alternative to nuclear energy if you wish to keep the lights on, and the wheels of industry turning.

In my opinion Great Britain’s future energy supplies were on the brink of collapse because of the disastrous energy policies driven by the coalition government’s Energy Minister Ed Davy.

The Green Party’s Dilys Cluer’s delight that our new Prime Minister has delayed the Hinckley Point Nuclear Power project will, I’m certain be short-lived.

I was very alarmed when I found out the agreed price for electricity from there is double the current cost and the contract runs for 30 years.

I am certain there will be an attempt to re-negotiate the price for the power it will produce. With any luck we will be able to escape the crazy German energy policies and the horrific green taxes we currently pay them, now that we’re getting out of Europe.

Offshore wind-farms electricity is 300 per cent dearer than our current price and yet again by European Law the Na- tional Grid has to give priority to using this very expensive electricity if there’s any available.

Also in my opinion the Green Party’s opposition to nuclear power has driven the need to frack for gas.

France is in the very fortunate position of having a cheap, reliable electricity supply produced almost entirely by their safe, efficient nuclear power generators and as far as I know the only country in the world able to export electricity.

It is unfortunate that both the Green Party and Friends of the Earth still don’t get it! The National Grid requires a particular type of electricity namely AC at high voltage and this is what coal-gas-nuclear and hydro supplies.

The French description for this is a ‘Base Load’ which means you get a constant supply24 hours a day 365 days in the year.

Renewables can only supply DC at a much lower voltage.

The battle of the currents was fought in New York City in 1901 between Thomas Edison’s DC and Nicola Tesla’s AC with Nicola Tesla being the winner. Isn’t it odd that the Green Party and Friends of the Earth want to fight this battle all over again 115 years later? Ostrich Party?

Colin Wigglesworth Providence Place, Filey