Renewables a broken reed – let’s go nuclear

DOES the energy regulator seriously believe renewables will give us security of energy supply? If so, he’s literally whistling in the wind.

Although wind constitutes about a quarter of the total installed electrical capacity it actually produces much less simply because it doesn’t blow all the time. At one point on August 8, for example, wind generated less than 1% of the total demand.

As you point out (Editorial, August 10), renewables are a broken reed. They can help – some of the time – but what we need is a source of power that is reliable at all times and is cost effective and safe. Moreover, its fuel must come from secure sources. More than 30 countries have decided nuclear power fulfils all such requirements.

One would need to be ultra-green to believe they’re all out of step except our John and Eamon. The debate is already underway – what’s needed now is action. If we wait too long it may be too late.

David Sowby

Knocksinna Crescent

Dublin 18