NUCLEAR ENERGY -- THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR SINGAPORE?
Well, we were visited by a doctor in Nuclear Physics who seemingly lectures at NTU and NUS, also an ex-AJCian, today during Physics Lecture (so much for getting "excited" over Thermal 2). His talk received contrasting views -- some can't be bothered what he was saying, others felt it was unnecessary, a few for the idea of adopting nuclear energy, and some against it. I for one is against the idea.
Doctor Chow* highlighted some advantages of nuclear energy as to why Singapore should adopt it as an alternative source of energy for greater energy independence (??). He spoke of the current technology that has made nuclear technology much more accessible. He also mentioned that nuclear energy provides a baseload energy which makes it a contrasting source of energy among others that can explored by Singapore for a partially self-sufficient future.
I, however, along with some others who share the same view, believe that solar energy could probably be a much viable choice compared to nuclear energy. Think of the hazardous consequences that could result from the melt down of a nuclear power station, not to mention the size of Singapore -- you'd just need one such incident and Singapore would be in ruins!
True to some extent that the technology has made it a possible and the adoption nuclear energy safer already, but then again, why run the risk of devastating the country. Human errors are complex and things are bound to happen sometime and just one would be enough to kill this country. Think about it, with the current situation of international terrorism continuing unabated, who knows what can happen. Also, Singapore does not have much land to offer for a nuclear plant to be build.
True that we can tap on the islands on the outskirts but what about the waters and the land area? How many islands do we have that can offer us such prestige?
On the otherhand, we already have the first eco-mall on the way that runs on solar power. Say with the current technology advancement in solar energy and projecting in 10 years down the road, while we project the advancement of technology of nuclear energy also, it's quite safe to say that solar energy would be a just as good, if not better, and definitely safer alternative source of energy that can allow the country to function 24/7, 365 days a year.
And that's my short point of view on the adoption of nuclear energy in Singapore...
