Powerful argument

I do not agree with James Debentures’ argument in favour of nuclear power (PostBag, Oct 17). Nuclear power has rapidly become a non-option around the world, based mainly due to expense as well as safety issues. No nuclear power station has been built or planned in the US for a long time. Several European countries including Germany, Austria and Sweden have announced plans to denuclearise their power systems.

I also do not entirely agree with his comments about electric motorcycles. It is true that recharging the machine’s battery results in burning fossil fuel provided the relevant power system is totally served by coal- or gas-fired power stations. However, that is slowly changing as more renewable power sources become available to the power grid. If it is meant that renewables, such as solar and wind turbines, are unreliable because solar does not produce at night and wind turbines do not produce when the wind does not blow, I would agree. Otherwise both technologies are reliable. That situation will change as back-up batteries become cheaper. Millions of households around the world are installing roof top solar systems and the addition of back up batteries will enable people to decide to disconnect from the grid. Households such as these will be able to recharge electric vehicle batteries without the consumption of fossil fuels.

Meanwhile, there is a marginal advantage in battery charging transferring pollution from tailpipes to power station chimneys. Power stations are mostly located away from built-up areas and so the cities will benefit from cleaner air, even though total pollution will remain similar. PAUL SWEENEY