Better for us to tap solar power

I am also perplexed as the writer to the “Letters to the Editor” that appeared in the Star of 18 May 2010 by the decision to look at nuclear energy as a solution to our energy problems.

I've always asked family and friends who worked in the oil and gas industry on the reasons why our country is not in the forefront of solar energy. It seems we have been too complacent or just too spoiled by the abundance of that energy source. No concrete or substantive effort has been given to alternative sources of energy during the boom years. Now that the supply is nearing its end, nuclear seems to be the favourite byword.

Why is France and Germany among the leaders in solar energy? Shouldn't we, in the equatorial belt be in the top ten list at least or better still be the leader in that field. A number of acquaintances have mentioned the prohibitive cost but isn't nuclear as expensive? I'm no expert in either but as far as I know from what I've read, solar energy wins hands down in terms of safety and long term cost effectiveness.

The sun is shining brightly on our land, why don't we use it?

The letter I mentioned is shown below and I've highlighted some parts which I find interesting.

I AM perplexed by the decision to look to nuclear as a solution for our energy needs. I would like to urge the Government to look at what the Japanese do to solve their energy needs. There is so much that we can learn from the small, but efficient, nation.


Too much is at stake. For a start, we do not have uranium or plutonium and we have to buy it from elsewhere. Why not look at something which is readily available in Malaysia in abundance and nearly free - sunlight?


Do we have in our pool of researchers someone who is doing something with regards to the potential use and exploitation of solar power generation? If the answer is no, then someone should be working on this immediately.


Please channel our limited ringgit to deserving causes.


Secondly, are we really capable of handling such a delicate but dangerous element? Looking back at the controversy in our handling of hazardous waste materials, it is doubtful.


Remember Broga? Nobody wants to have anything to do with such waste.


For the sake of our future generations, put aside personal interests and work out a solution acceptable to the layman.


TUAH ISHAK,


Johor Baru.