Cost of nuclear power disguised

IT is not correct to say that "nuclear is just about the cheapest mainstream generating technology" (Nuclear is not most expensive, Letters, January 20).

The Nuclear Subsidies report from the Energy Fair group shows how the real cost of nuclear power is disguised by subsidies. Without them, the price of nuclear electricity would rise to a level deeply unattractive to investors.

Regarding the cost of nuclear electricity in France, physician Dr Helen Caldicott says: "In France, if Electricite de France had to insure for the full cost of a meltdown, the price of nuclear electricity would increase by about 300%. Hence, as opposed to conventional wisdom, the price of French nuclear electricity is artificially low."

There are more than enough alternatives that are cheaper than nuclear power, quicker to build and with none of the other headaches of nuclear power. Research reviewed in the November issue of Scientific American shows that renewables can meet 100% of the world's energy needs and that it is feasible to do it by 2030. This is in line with several other reports showing how to decarbonise the world's economies.

Dr Gerry Wolff PhD CEng, Energy Fair, Penlon, Menai Bridge, Anglesey.

Last updated: 2007-08-19 (ISO 8601)