Tonga needs cleaner, cheaper and safer energy [1]
Monday, July 12, 2010 - 06:30. Updated on Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 23:02.
Editor,
BEING open minded to nuclear power generation as a viable energy option for Tonga's future power demand is an excellent idea, especially considering the estimated cost of 12 cent per KWhr in comparison to the current cost of 75 cent per KWhr for domestic usage, provided we dig out a spare billion dollars from somewhere for the capital cost and ensure we have well trained engineers for running it and allow for the further cost of about another billion on decommission and waste disposal.
It is a very high risk to Tonga's existence, where the land and sea area is relatively fragile, where there is no safe place to hide if disaster occurs. If we decide to take that path, it is a matter of following must do procedures so that the probability of disaster can be avoided. It is a very high maintenance cost operation. A minor oversight, such as the cooling pipe for the nuclear reactor not being properly inspected for corrosion, or the wrong bolts & nuts being used for replacement during routine maintenance, or a common excuse that the spares are not available due to delays in the ship arriving - the sort of excuses common in the Pacific islands relating to machinery maintenance downfalls would absolutely not be acceptable in running a nuclear power plant.
In Australia wind turbines are popping up in increasing numbers around the countryside. They are an immediate alternative for cleaner, relatively cheap and considerably safer energy. It costs roughly $2million per 1 MW for installation and has the benefit of a low cost in maintenance compared to a nuclear power station. A couple of those wind turbines combined with power generated by bio diesel from coconuts would fulfill Tongan power requirements and any excess power on windy days can be used to melt down the rusty broken cars that litter the Tongan countryside.
Best wishes
Vilo Niumeitolu
Hako o Namoa
niu [at] bigbutton [dot] com [dot] au