Alternatives to the nuclear option

Alternatives to the nuclear option
Professor Johnny Chan Chung-leung
Dean of the School of Energy and Environment
City University of Hong Kong
January 2012  
In the Know


Demonstrations against the use of nuclear energy were staged worldwide following the radiation leaks at the stricken nuclear power plant in Fukushima, Japan in March 2011. The incident highlighted the concerns of many people of using nuclear power as an option in addressing the issues of climate change, alternate energies and energy security. 


Besides the possible environmental effects, there is the issue of cost to contend with. Building a nuclear power plant is very expensive: the best construction materials are required for a strong protective shell; multiple safety measures and contingency plans have to be put in place; and nuclear waste has to be treated and disposed of. 



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However, nuclear energy has proved popular; for example, it currently accounts for around 23% of the total electrical power consumed in Hong Kong. 


Many now feel that we have no other option but to go nuclear especially as a reliable, cost-effective and renewable energy supply has yet to be identified. 


As an alternative to nuclear energy, and until we can create a sustainable alternative with less of a perceived threat to the environment, we should allocate more resources to researching the more efficient and cleaner use of fossil fuels so as to reduce the amount of pollutants and the emission of greenhouse gases.


Coal can be made cleaner and more efficient, for example. Newly developed devices can reduce the amount of sulphur dioxide emitted when coal is burned, while coal gasification is a promising method of exploiting the planet’s richest source of fossil fuel. 


Similarly, scientists are developing carbon capture and underground storage technologies that mitigate the carbon dioxide created when natural gas is burned, although a lot of energy is consumed in this process. Researchers are investigating how to develop an artificial photosynthesis 
process that simulates the way plants break up carbon dioxide’s strong molecular bonding. 


Another approach is to look for ways of extracting carbon atoms from carbon dioxide and combine them with hydrogen for fuel.


Experts are currently looking at ways to diminish the consequences of using silicon in the production of solar energy. Although the actual process of power generation through solar energy produces minimal pollution, 
extracting silicon—the raw material for the production of solar cells—from the earth and transporting it to the plant can damage the environment. 


Carbon is contained in food waste, sawdust, the internal organs of animals, and even fallen leaves and branches.


Using them intelligently, we can create fuel. Organic waste can even be used for the production of plastics which would reduce the over-reliance on petroleum. 


As Hong Kong is surrounded by water, we can explore the possibility of turning the energies of the sea, such as the kinetic energy of wave and tide, into electricity. 


CityU is studying how to use the regular tidal pattern 
for power generation. In addition, because wave conditions in Victoria Harbour have become rougher due to land reclamation projects, we can explore the possibility of using wave energy.


Before building any kind of device that can convert energy into electric power, we need to assess the whole production process, from the extraction of the raw materials and power generation to waste management. 


Especially we need to study the pollution caused by 
the production process and the deployment of manpower and other resources. 


The practical solution to the deficiency of nuclear energy and fossil fuels is to develop a more environmentally friendly energy that will ensure the sustainable development of the economy.