Nuclear Power
I think i've mentioned it a few times, but I do believe there is a place for Nuclear Power in Australia. However, this is conditional.
Nuclear power should only be pursued as an alternative if the core outcome of the project is to replace NOT supplement coal power. It should only be considered if we remove the highly polluting alternatives (rather than just increasing power output so North Shore yuppies can run their AC's 24/7). I can't see the Howard government doing that.
Furthermore, now, i believe is not the time to do it. Fission reactors are very long-term investments. Currently, there is an international project by leading Nuclear scientists, to find a way to commercialise Fusion. Fusion is a "magical" energy source that leaves no radioactive waste, and requires only heavy water (tritium based water) to start the reaction. Its the same nuclear reaction that powers the sun, and offers a new energy source paradigm. Apparently, initial works have been quite promising. We should wait and see what emerges from this technology, because we would look like absolute geese, if we put up nuclear fission power stations, and 10 years later, fusion power is commercially viable.
Politically, there have been some strange decisions by Howard. The backflip on the Snowy Hydro, whilst leaving NSW and VIC out in the cold, was very strange for a government that sets its mind to something, and achieves it. Typically they KNOW what will and won't be a problem in the electorate well before proceeding. Ideologically, the fed goverment is all for selling the Snowy Hydro - but for some reason, did not read the mood of the electorate properly. Further to this, the sudden thirst for a nuclear debate is strange. After the world luxury tour 2006, Howard suddenly seems to want to push for a nuclear industry. Fine, that makes sense, but why the sudden urgency? And why play it out so publically, when it is a very contentious issue? Granted, it is excellent wedgbe politics against Labor, due to the varying views within the party on the Nuclear matter.
It almost looks like Howard is trying so hard to split his political opponents, that he's over-extended himself, and ended up shooting himself in the foot. The pursuit of the wedge has backfired slightly. Many political commentators (particularly in the SMH, Age and Australian Papers), saying the Howard has made a big mistake, and this could be the turning point in his political fortunes. *Sigh* call me cynical, but i'll believe it when I see it.
Nuclear power should only be pursued as an alternative if the core outcome of the project is to replace NOT supplement coal power. It should only be considered if we remove the highly polluting alternatives (rather than just increasing power output so North Shore yuppies can run their AC's 24/7). I can't see the Howard government doing that.
Furthermore, now, i believe is not the time to do it. Fission reactors are very long-term investments. Currently, there is an international project by leading Nuclear scientists, to find a way to commercialise Fusion. Fusion is a "magical" energy source that leaves no radioactive waste, and requires only heavy water (tritium based water) to start the reaction. Its the same nuclear reaction that powers the sun, and offers a new energy source paradigm. Apparently, initial works have been quite promising. We should wait and see what emerges from this technology, because we would look like absolute geese, if we put up nuclear fission power stations, and 10 years later, fusion power is commercially viable.
Politically, there have been some strange decisions by Howard. The backflip on the Snowy Hydro, whilst leaving NSW and VIC out in the cold, was very strange for a government that sets its mind to something, and achieves it. Typically they KNOW what will and won't be a problem in the electorate well before proceeding. Ideologically, the fed goverment is all for selling the Snowy Hydro - but for some reason, did not read the mood of the electorate properly. Further to this, the sudden thirst for a nuclear debate is strange. After the world luxury tour 2006, Howard suddenly seems to want to push for a nuclear industry. Fine, that makes sense, but why the sudden urgency? And why play it out so publically, when it is a very contentious issue? Granted, it is excellent wedgbe politics against Labor, due to the varying views within the party on the Nuclear matter.
It almost looks like Howard is trying so hard to split his political opponents, that he's over-extended himself, and ended up shooting himself in the foot. The pursuit of the wedge has backfired slightly. Many political commentators (particularly in the SMH, Age and Australian Papers), saying the Howard has made a big mistake, and this could be the turning point in his political fortunes. *Sigh* call me cynical, but i'll believe it when I see it.
haha nice analysis!
It seems Howard is a master at manipulating the whims of the voting public. He knows he can infuriate us. He knows he can pretty much say whatever he wants, or do whatever he pleases, between elections and, despite severe national scorn, still be voted back in.
So long as in the immediate lead up to the election he can repeat his trick of pulling out a carrot that'll magically erase voters' long term political memories, he has little to worry about.
"Nuclear power? What's that about? But didn't Howard offer us ANOTHER tax break?!"
-bosco.
Hallo I absolutely adore your site. You have beautiful graphics I have ever seen.
»
Greets to the webmaster of this wonderful site! Keep up the good work. Thanks.
»