10-25-2016, 09:17 AM
There are two serious equations we need to balance. The first being the energy needs of the country, the second to provide safe, efficient energy. In this there has to be short term needs and long term goals.
Looking at the matter of energy,  I feel we have to make it clear there is no such thing as '100% clean energy'. Be it mining of materials or fuels or the actual production of equipment to generate energy, all contribute to our carbon footprint. Therefore we need to ensure efficiency and the least polluting forms of production (include production of equipment) as well as sustainability. We must also take energy  conservation seriously.
I do feel nuclear power is in many ways a potential time bomb. There is still no real solution to the problem of how we dispose of nuclear waste, and this is a price which may be paid very heavily by future generations. Our quest for energy must therefore not in the long term dramatically increase nuclear waste and the problems that go with it upon future generations from whom shall inherit the planet from us. Fracking, without serious regulation, represents another distinct risk.
I believe any energy policy must include:
Looking at the matter of energy,  I feel we have to make it clear there is no such thing as '100% clean energy'. Be it mining of materials or fuels or the actual production of equipment to generate energy, all contribute to our carbon footprint. Therefore we need to ensure efficiency and the least polluting forms of production (include production of equipment) as well as sustainability. We must also take energy  conservation seriously.
I do feel nuclear power is in many ways a potential time bomb. There is still no real solution to the problem of how we dispose of nuclear waste, and this is a price which may be paid very heavily by future generations. Our quest for energy must therefore not in the long term dramatically increase nuclear waste and the problems that go with it upon future generations from whom shall inherit the planet from us. Fracking, without serious regulation, represents another distinct risk.
I believe any energy policy must include:
- Ensuring all present nuclear power plants abide by stringent safety and security procedures. This includes the transport and processing of waste.
- Working towards the gradual phasing out of nuclear power as the output of other energy production increases.
- Re-invest in carbon capturing storage to provide cleaner energy production from fossil fuels. Again gradually phase out coal burning plants as production of cleaner energy increases.
- Calculate our requirements for necessary imported fuels and secure long term trade deals for their supply. Favourable trade terms for other items in exchange should not be ruled out to ensure such deals are secure.
- Restore tax breaks for renewable energy. This would allow additional funding for research and development into all forms of renewable energy and energy storage, allowing this to advance at a faster rate.
- Promotion of community energy hubs and co-operatives for the wide scale installation of renewable energy such as solar from local communities, industrial estates and business parks.
- Introduce a national survey into potential sources and sites for micro energy production.
- Form a government department who will work with local authorities, businesses and local communities in reducing energy consumption.