Nuclear Power, Meet the Law of Supply and Demand
Business groups across the state continue to show their support bolstering New Jersey's nuclear energy infrastructure. This week, NJBiz tried to gauge their feelings on New Jersey's Draft Energy Master Plan, which acknowledges that nuclear generation will likely be part of our energy future if we hope to meet carbon emission goals and energy needs.
While we here at CIANJ are still digesting the EMP's impact on energy costs, we do have some thoughts on the benefits of adding nuclear capacity,
"We don't believe the state can meet its energy needs and carbon reduction goals without nuclear power," says Paul Tyahla, vice president of government affairs and communications at the Paramus-based Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey. Nuclear power, he explains, is the only available source that can produce energy on a large scale but generate virtually no greenhouse gas emissions. "Anything that can increase the supply is going to help lessen upward pressure on energy costs," he says.
Astoundingly well put, no? Mandatory self-promotion aside, the NJ Chamber of Commerce offers similar thoughts,
[The Chamber] supports the state's goal of using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to help meet its electricity needs. But "those energy sources are not going to be able to do it alone," says Michael Egenton, the state chamber's vice president of environment and transportation.
In fact, a report conducted by Polestar Applied Technologies found that New Jersey cannot reach its CO2 reduction goals without nuclear power - and that includes the relicensing of the Oyster Creek Generating Station, which is up for renewal in 2009.
There are plenty of myths about nuclear energy and its risks. It's good to know that at least some in the Administration are not willing to ignore the law of supply and demand when it comes to our energy future. Check out the interview below with Dr. Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace, on the changing mood on nuclear energy.
