Fission for a safe new energy source

Nuclear energy is the only viable non-carbon-based energy source for the future, despite the recent nuclear accident in Japan, according to a James Cook University professor.

Professor Peter Ridd, Head of the School of Physics at JCU, will present a lecture this week (March 15) on nuclear energy, as part of a new Public Lecture Series being hosted by JCU’s Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Professor Ridd’s lecture, titled The Fukushima Nuclear Incident, reanalysis of the safety of nuclear energy will examine the Fukushima Disaster of 12 months ago and the potential impacts on human health.

“The Fukushima nuclear incident was easily the worst accident of a western-designed nuclear reactor and one of the repercussions has been a re-analysis of the safety of nuclear energy,” he said.

“Germany has since decided to close down all its nuclear plants while other countries such as the UK, China and India have remained committed to nuclear energy.”

Professor Ridd said he had analysed the Fukushima accident and came to the conclusion that excessive and irrational fear of low-level radiation from the reactor would cause far more deaths than the radiation itself.

“From the experience of the Chernobyl disaster, the excessively large exclusion zone around the affected area will cause severe psychological problems, and the unnecessary dislocation of people from their homes will cause many premature deaths especially amongst older people.

“There is also likely to be a large number of unnecessary pregnancy terminations as scared pregnant women react to the excessive hype and hysteria about radiation.”

He also argues that nuclear energy remains the only viable non-carbon-based energy source for the future.

“All other alternative energy sources cannot at present provide base load power to replace coal, gas or nuclear power.”

The Public Lecture series, which has been successfully run in Cairns for five years, has now extended to Townsville.

It showcases JCU’s research to the community and the talks are designed to inform, educate and entertain residents about current science and engineering issues.

The series, which will run monthly from March to November, aims to raise aspirations of people within the community who may not have thought about going to university.

Details:

Date: Thursday 15th March

Where: Central Lecture Theatre - Building 5, JCU Townsville Campus

Time: 5.30pm-6.00pm drinks & nibbles

6.00pm-7.00pm Presentation

First published 12 March 2012

JCU Media: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175