Doubts About Nuclear Energy

Your article “Re-energized”, about the French nuclear-energy company Areva [Nov. 14], noted that there may be a comeback for nuclear power. Even if there is evidence of a “nuclear renaissance”, as Areva's head, Anne Lauvergeon, put it, I can't see nuclear power plants becoming popular in most of Europe. There are still serious problems with handling the drainage of reactor coolant into rivers, and there is the major concern of how to dispose of nuclear waste. Long-distance transport of such material is highly dangerous, especially with the threat of terrorist attacks. And can we place on future generations the burden of coping with tons of hazardous radioactive substances? The reasons for the sudden return of nuclear energy – spiking oil prices and the effect of greenhouse gases – also call for investment in alternative-energy technologies. Wind, solar or water energy could help stop the progress of global warming and make us independent of fossil fuels. Alternative energies would save us money in the long run without the immense drawbacks of nuclear energy.

LISA JANK Augsburg, Germany

(Time, December 19, 2005, p. 10)