Re: And so it begins (Peak oil)

From: Jo Stein (jstein_at_broadpark.no)
Date: 06/05/04 

Date: Sat, 05 Jun 2004 12:16:02 +0200

On Fri, 4 Jun 2004 20:46:37 +0000 (UTC), rlbell@csclub.uwaterloo.ca
(Richard Bell) wrote in <c9qn3d$f57$2@rumours.uwaterloo.ca>:

>The only problem with the above vision is that the environmental lobby
>would rather see everyone starve or freeze to death, than let it happen.
>Merely suggesting it in some forums (like this one) can get you flamed.

<URL:http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/10/1078594427073.html>
"China plans to significantly expand its nuclear power in the coming
decades, and the Bush administration has been courting the country's
top officials on behalf of US companies seeking a starring role in
that expansion.

The US is competing with France, Russia and, in a minor way, Canada,
to build four 1000-megawatt plants that energy executives say will
signify China's coming of age as a nuclear energy provider, and offer
crucial relief to makers of nuclear technology starved for new orders
in their home countries.

"China is the country most likely to have robust growth in nuclear
power in the next 10 years," said Ron Sinard, who oversees plant
development for the Nuclear Energy Institute, a Washington
organisation that represents the US industry. "Looking at the market
over the next decade, it's probably the biggest piece of the pie."

The call for tenders may be issued as early as this month, nuclear
industry executives said. The winner is likely to have an advantage in
subsequent bids for 20 or more nuclear plants that may be built by
2020.

China has eight nuclear power plants that generate a total of 6200MW;
by 2020, nuclear power could provide China with 32,000MW. Even if all
the proposed plants are built, nuclear power would supply China with
only about 4 per cent of its energy needs by 2020, with the bulk of
electricity coming from coal-fired stations and, to a lesser extent,
hydroelectric projects like the Three Gorges Dam."

Why are the Bush administration not courting North Korea too.
They are in more need for nuclear energy than China:
<URL:http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/nkorea.html>
"As a result of its electricity shortage, the country often
experiences blackouts for extended periods of time, and power losses
due to an antiquated transmission grid are high. Some hydroelectric
facilities are believed to still be out of operation due to flood
damage from major flooding in 1996."

I think I know the answer. As a small president Bush cultivates small
enemies.
-- jo
  Earth at night:
  http://www.skyimagelab.com/earatnitlar.html

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