Water, fossil resources best energy alternatives
Water, fossil resources best energy alternatives
JAKARTA (JP): If properly exploited, the nation's abundant
water and fossil resources would provide a better alternative
than nuclear power in meeting Indonesia's rising demand for
energy, an expert says.
"In fact, water and fossils are the best solution to the
energy problem," Parangtopo, a professor of physics at the
University of Indonesia, said during a discussion on the impact
of nuclear radiation on people and the environment.
"We have many rivers with the potential for power generation.
Besides that, a number of oil sites and coal mines are not yet
utilized at maximum capacity," he said during the discussion held
by the Indonesian Anti-Nuclear Society.
He pointed out as examples that the Mahakam and Barito rivers
in Kalimantan are not yet exploited. Much of the oil and coal
potential of the island has yet to be exploited, he added.
He reminded his listeners that any decision on which energy
source is suitable for development in a particular area must be
made on the basis of a thorough and careful study involving
experts and the public alike.
The nuclear energy debate has been raging in Indonesia since
the government announced its plan to build two nuclear power
plants on Mount Muria, Central Java. The plan has met strong
opposition from environmental groups, which not only fear
disaster, but also consider the multi-billion dollar price tag
for the project exorbitant.
Parangtopo, who is also chairman of the Indonesian Physics
Association, said the water-generated power plants are most
suitable for development in areas outside of Java.
"The development of water-generated power plants will create
new urban centers. This, in turn, will help improve distribution
of population," he said.
He added that all of the rivers in Java have already been
exploited for power generation. However, he said, Java's demand
for energy can still be met by fossil-fuel generators.
Suitable
Parangtopo advised that the government reconsider its decision
to build nuclear power plants with capacities of 600 and 900
megawatts on Mount Muria.
"I'm not against the government's plan, but I doubt if
Indonesia is technologically ready to cope with the danger that
may happen in the future," he said.
"Nuclear is no doubt a source of clean energy, but it can be
disastrous if the people handling it lack skill and experience,"
he added.
Leakage from a nuclear plant could cause the temperature in
areas as far as 1.5 kilometers from the plant site to rise to as
high as 4,000 Celsius degrees, he cited an example of the danger.
The resulting radiation would cause near total extinction of
human beings and other creatures in affected areas, he added.
(imn)