[LMagic007]

I read the article and I'm also surprised at the remarks. Putting everything else aside just for the moment, if one looks at future cost projections, fossil fuel costs are rising and renewable fuel costs are projected to fall over time. I understand it takes 10 to 15 years to build a nuclear plant, when we really want solutions that can be implemented in a much shorter time frame. In 10 years time one may reasonably expect solar and wind to be even more competitive on cost than today. Thus I find it difficult to see the rationale of his argument on mid to long term cost projections alone.


The other thing I would like to say is that I think we have far too much centralisation and reliance on centralised systems like nuclear and coal fired energy. I think our energy security lies in decentralisation as much as possible. Solar and wind energy suit this model far better than nuclear or coal. If we can empower communities to take more control over their own local power generation, I think overall grid security and reliability can be improved. I think a good mix of both centralised and decentralised power generation is optimal from a risk management perspective. Solar thermal technology is showing great promise for base load generation with capacity factors of 70% or even higher under the right circumstances.