From Nathan Jordan.
I AM writing with reference to your Focus on Tidal Power (JEP, 26 January). While researching my thesis on French nuclear energy in Paris I discovered many misconceptions about atomic and renewable energy, the chief among these being that nuclear energy is less expensive than other forms of energy production.

While consumers have traditionally paid less for atomic power per household, the youngest French nuclear reactor is currently over 25 years past its recommended usage and the French government is in the process of launching a scheme to replace all reactors at a cost of billions to householders at home and abroad.

Any independent nuclear scheme of Jersey’s would also have to meet the exorbitant costs of importing processed Uranium 235 and disposing of nuclear waste. While the initial outlay of a huge tidal barrage would be costly, this is not the only means of generating hydro-electricity efficiently, M Messiter, in the same edition, rightly points out that open sea turbines could be used to good effect in areas such as the Alderney Race.

A prototype horizontal axis turbine, which operates in a similar way to a windmill underwater in Kvalsund, Norway, has produced over 300 kw of power, enough for around 80 homes every day.

Given that 70% of the planet is covered in ocean, I put it to you that we have enough space for as many of these as we need, ensuring that we can always take advantage of tides at one location or another.

The argument against tidal energy also assumes a single energy policy. For all those who complain about the potential noise of wind farms, why not use one of our many uninhabited islands? What if the States were to provide interest-free loans to home-owners who wished to install solar roof tiles and insulation?

Every month I read the JEP I see the above suggestions. Tree hugging aside, the above measures will ensure our independence from the oscillating prices of fossil fuels and uranium, will preserve our beloved countryside and beaches which will aid tourism and in time are guaranteed to be profitable.

It is worth mentioning that EDF, France’s energy provider, produces over 7% from renewable resources and offers customers the option to have their electricity bills allocated to maintaining and developing the same. If we did this in Jersey we could meet our energy needs 62 times over. Our only real limit is our imagination.
21 Le Petit Marais,
St Clement.