VETERAN PARLIAMENTARIAN Mike Henry has lent his support to the call for Jamaica to embrace nuclear technology to help boost energy security.

Henry, in contributing to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, said advancement in nuclear technology makes it safer and cheaper, and would redound to the benefit of the country.

“My choice for energy is nuclear,” Henry declared in Parliament on Tuesday.

He suggested that the country consider relying on nuclear power, provided by at least two pocket reactors, established in separate locations, which are constructed to sustain all foreseeable catastrophes.

According to Henry, Jamaica could consider utilising Goat Islands, two small cays located off the south coast of St Catherine, to host the reactors.

“There has been a small nuclear reactor operating successfully in Jamaica for many years without fanfare or incident,” Henry noted.

He added: “This technology can be rapidly deployed and fulfil the requirements of long-term, price-consistent supply and a clean output at a low price per kilowatt hour.”

Oil accounts for more than 90 per cent of Jamaica’s energy source, and at US$0.42 per cent per kilowatt-hour, the cost of electricity is among the most expensive in the region.

Source:

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/