Small reactors ideal for Singapore

Go for nuclear option?
Straits Times Forum 12 Feb 10;

FURTHER to the report, 'Singapore 'should consider nuclear energy'' (Feb2), it may be useful to consider the option of building small nuclear power reactors in Singapore.

Such reactors, of which there are many designs to choose from, are compact, safer, and far simpler to operate and maintain than large reactors.

Many of the smaller ones are modular, which means one could set one up first and introduce add-ons to meet subsequent increases in power needs.

For example, a United States-Japan commercial collaboration has designed a passive safe reactor module that is factory- built, transferable to an underground site, and is claimed to be able to operate continuously for 30 years without refuelling, and is then replaceable with a fresh one.

So the dreaded reactor waste problem is much diminished, and space and security problems can be resolved by adopting one of the previously suggested concepts of an underground installation.

The demand for small power reactors came about because of the search for a reliable, simple and low-carbon-footprint energy source that can cater to the needs of remote and isolated communities, and that can replace such messy sources as diesel generators.

However, because of the intensity of energy a nuclear reactor can provide, it is also suitable for co-generation, desalination, hydrogen production and other uses, apart from producing electricity.

While large reactors should not be discounted, the potential of small generators may firm up the nuclear option more favourably for Singapore.

Tso Chih Ping (Prof)

Invest in solar and wind power
Straits Times 12 Feb 10;

MS ELSPETH Thomson's commentary on Monday, 'Nuclear power: Time for a feasibility study', discusses various energy options open to Singapore and suggests that, with new designs and many improvements, nuclear power plants are no longer as dangerous as in the past.

I believe this form of power is not suited to Singapore due to problems of siting in a land-scarce Republic, potential dangers associated with nuclear accidents, difficulties with waste disposal and possible terrorist threats.

True, Singapore needs to lessen its present dependence on gas to manufacture electricity. But its location and climate provide adequate opportunity to invest in solar and wind power at every level - from individual homes and apartment blocks to the national level with as many buildings as possible fitted with solar power panels.

As the technology develops further, costs will continue to fall and make this source of energy more feasible. After all, once the panels are in place, solar energy is a free and eternal source of power.

In addition, wind farms can be sited in numerous coastal locations - even on some offshore islands. Countries such as China and the United States are developing and using this mode of energy generation with success. In Denmark, 25 per cent of power reserves are provided by wind farms.

Nations must promote the green revolution. The old, polluting forms of fossil fuel (wood, coal, oil and gas) must be replaced with renewable energy - solar, wind, tidal, hydro and geothermal power.

In Singapore, let us move forward with solar and wind power.

Peter C.N. Hardstone