Uranium worth its weight

Published on Sunday 21 September 2008 21:36

Anthony Harrington should not rely on the views of anti-nuclear John Busby regarding the availability of uranium ("Nuclear triggers a mixed reaction", Energy Ecosse, 18 September). I prefer the views of experts like nuclear engineer James Hopf .

He points out that the "proven reserve" estimates are flawed for two primary reasons. First of all they do not consider the fact that very little effort, or money, has so far been put towards uranium exploration. Second, they do not adequately account for the tiny effect that uranium ore price has on final nuclear power price, and the fact that the maximum allowable prices used to determine "economically recoverable" reserves are far too low.

Hopf claims that the actual recoverable uranium supply is likely to be enough to last several hundred (up to 1,000) years, even using standard reactors. With breeders, it is essentially infinite.

STEUART CAMPBELL

Dovecot Loan

Edinburgh

The rise in geenhouse gas emissions in Scotland show how ineffectual the SNP administration has been in this very serious issue (your report, 19 September). They prefer cheap political stunts like abolishing bridge tolls and hospital parking charges; both are actions which will increase road traffic.

Over nuclear power, they have their heads well and truly buried in the sand.

NIALL WALKER

Princes Gardens

Glasgow