Re: Green power sounds good until you calculate the cost
Submitted by OCAA on Sat, 02/20/2010 - 05:00.
The Toronto Star Re: Green power sounds good until you calculate the cost, Opinion, Feb. 17 Indeed, green power is cheaper than nuclear. The writer curiously omits any mention that the government's proposed new nuclear reactors at Darlington would cost $26 billion, much more expensive than green energy. Add to that the costs of liability, waste and plant decommissioning, and nuclear costs become outrageously expensive. Ontario can most cost-effectively reduce our baseload energy demands through energy efficiency. Ontario is one of the most wasteful users of electricity in the world – we use 50 per cent more electricity than people in New York State, and we're similar economically and environmentally. In terms of supply, our baseload needs can be met by an integrated combination of wind, water, biomass, solar and natural gas combined heat and power. When the wind turbines aren't turning or the sun isn't shining, we will need to increase the output of the other options. Water power imports from Quebec are a great solution to back up wind power on calm days. Angela Bischoff, Outreach Director, Ontario Clean Air Alliance, Toronto |