Atomic energy feasible?

Text and pictures by Ishara Jayawardane

The recent disaster - the 8.9 magnitude earthquake - that hit the industrious nation of Japan is on everyone's minds. The bombing of Hiroshima Nagasaki was a manmade disaster. But this was no act of vengeance by flesh and blood. Some would say it was the force of mother nature; retaliating at man's pollution of the environment. Daily News recently spoke to Atomic Energy Authority Chairman Prof W Abeyewickreme on how Sri Lanka would fare in the face of such a scenario.

Q: Are we in danger of being affected by radiation emitted by the Fukushima power plant?

A: So far we cannot definitely say we are not in danger according to the information we have received from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Because we have to always follow the information or news sent by the Agency. We have been getting messages from them regularly via text. So we are monitoring the situation thoroughly and if there is any danger we will be informed. We have also established a link with other Asian countries through a network and are monitoring the situation. If there is some danger the other countries will feel it before us.

Q: You are exploring possibilities of nuclear power after 2025. Is this true?

A: For the moment prefeasibility studies have been recommended. It is not even a feasibility study. Because no firm decision has been taken, during the prefeasibility study all these incidents that have taken place in the recent past can be taken into consideration. Science and Technology should advance, through those advancements only can countries develop.

One good example is Korea and Singapore because they use appropriate new technologies at the appropriate time, they are in a position where they are better off than other Asian countries. So we have to always keep this concept in mind.

Just because some unfortunate incident has taken place we cannot abandon entire programs. But at the same time we have to be vigilant, take intelligent decisions considering all factors.

I must emphasise that so far we have not taken a decision to go for nuclear power. On the other hand there are lots of software programs which will help a country to decide on energy planning.

However this will not happen in the immidiate future, it will be after year 2025. We have no reason to panic. We have to remember that these plants which have exploded are almost 38 years old. Any nuclear plant, after 40 years is considered "time over". Then these plants have to be decommissioned. They had planned to do just this to the Fukushima in another two years.

Q: Will we have nuclear power?

A: It has to be an intelligent decision. Even the prefeasibility study will take at least two years to complete, it might even go on to four. If the plant designing takes place in 2020, the scientist and decision makers will have to assess the situation, at that time. More advanced technologies are coming out.

Q: What measures can be taken to prevent this from happening in Sri Lanka if we do introduce nuclear power, in the light of what happened in the 2004 tsunami?

A: We have to remember that there are changes in the environment occurring in ever increasing frequency, mostly due to global warming. We have to think of these issues seriously and think of ways to minimise these affects on the environment.

The biggest problem with energy is environmental pollution due to use of hydro carbon fossil fuel. If we continue using fuel at this rate it will further increase global warming. At the same time nuclear energy is said to be the cleanest and most environmentally friendly when compared to conventional power sources.

Q: Once Sri Lanka acquires atomic power, can a tsunami early warning system solve the problem?

A: Technology has advanced. All these nuclear power plants have auto shut down systems. Computer systems will identify the slightest tremor and the plant will shut down automatically.

Due to the high temperatures inside, cooling systems should be available. What happened in Japan is all these incidents occurred simultaneously.

When the tsunami hit, power supplies failed and all the alternative power supplies also failed. The batteries functioned only for eight hours and they were unable to recharge the batteries.

With the advancements of technology human errors and technological failures can be addressed and more advanced technologies have to be incorporated.

However a feasibility study will grant us the opportunity of human resource development. We will develop graduates with knowledge of nuclear power and its applications and if we don't have a plant in the near future as planned, we will have a human resource development pool which can even help other countries while getting training in other countries to provide expertise.

These types of programs have to be conducted in universities and technical colleges and faculties of engineering and science. Young students will graduate with theoretical and practical knowledge in these subjects so that they can serve if not Sri Lanka, other countries.