Old Monk
The Old Monk is a special section of the Forum website maintained by the Forum's International Convenor, Wilfred D' Costa. It features articles, essays and opinions on global issues affecting common people.
Nuclear is unclear:
The Armageddon is right here, right now…
Wilfred D'Costa
6 October 2008
Energy security, energy independence and energy crisis have led to mindless debate and support for useless energy source around the world. Knowing the consequences of harnessing these sources, leaders and private companies are focusing their attention to such energy sources through "sama" (equal), "dama" (reward), "danda" (punishment) and "bheda" (division) -- the complete formula of diplomacy to get things done.
One of these sources is nuclear energy. In India, the present coalition government was about to be toppled down but have survived with sheer naked money power in the Indian Parliament and support of some criminals (Member of Parliaments) summoned from their jail lock-ups to vote to protect the government. In the end, India signed the civilian nuclear deal with the US.
The interest in the nuclear energy which is very less in the current world energy mix, has recently grown unprecedently in the twin pillars of democracy in India and the US. Is it worth to invest on nuclear energy? Is it really going to address the problem of millions of people in Asia having no access to electricity? The carbon debaters refuse to look into the whole chain from mining of thorium/uranium in the jungles to transporting them to nuclear reactors. It’s only the small part of the chain in the reactor that may be carbon-free, but it is the most disastrous energy source humankind has ever known. The popular voice is fast receding on nuclear energy. There is an immediate need to rise to the occasion to create opinion against the massive campaign for nuclear energy, at least in Asia.
Nuclear Power in India
With a growing economy, an increasing population, mounting energy demand, limited availability of conventional sources, and a strong consensus for environmental protection, India is harnessing energy ranging from jatropha biodiesel to atomic power.
Efficient, reliable and environmentally sustainable energy supplied to each household at the least possible cost is a dream of India’s government. While successive federal governments have been seeking energy security by 2012 for India, the current Scientist-President Abdul Kalam goes further to prescribe “Energy Independence” by 2032.
Energy independence is now India’s first and highest priority. To address this critical challenge, the base of the country’s energy supply system has steadily shifted from non-renewable to renewable sources as well as towards development of nuclear energy sources. Is India taking the right path to meet the energy requirements by emphasizing nuclear energy? Without nuclear energy, are there enough alternative energy sources to limited fossil fuels to meet future demand? Full story
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