Thorium reactors best for SA needs
FURTHER to my letter, “Choosing the right reactor model” (July 16), as the nuclear debate intensifies in all of the various media we continue to elicit drivel from the naysayers. Google is available to all, especially the Greenpeace members who should know better.
In the article, “Nuclear power ‘cheaper than wind, solar’ ” (September 3), Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Petterson is correct in stating that nuclear power is cheaper than wind and solar power. What is omitted from the article is that nuclear power is cheaper and has way less environmental impact than all renewables.
Horse power, measured in watts, derived from all energy sources, is what is important. Comparisons are made by comparing the wattage produced per square meter (energy density) of each energy source combined with their respective environmental effects.
Choosing the right reactor model is critical. Modular liquid fluoride thorium reactors are the only safe proven method thus far.
If we are truly serious about all life on planet Earth, the influential stakeholders must study all the pros and cons. Best they start with SuperFuel: Thorium the Green Energy Source for the Future by Richard Martin, Power Hungry: The Myths of “Green” Energy and the Real Fuels of the Future by Robert Bryce, What is a LFTR: and How Can a Reactor Be So Safe?, a paper by George Learner (a quick read), Summary: Thorium Nuclear Reactors, a paper by Brian Basham (a quick read), and a host of other literature.
Most pertinent to these vital decisions are The Confession of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins and we must ensure the “hit men” behind Jacob Zuma, Joemat-Petterson and company are thorium proponents.