We support resolving the dispute over the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant through a referen-dum. We also suggest that the government invite both the pro- and anti-nuclear camps to provide information -- presented to the people by the referendum organizer in an impartial and objective way -- so they can make a well-informed decision. The members of the Green Water Society would like to provide you with our conclusions of years of study.
First, Taiwan is a densely-populated country with insufficient natural resources, so the government should guide the people to conserve power and natural resources. For example, we can avoid possible overload during peak hours by adjusting the time periods of electricity use, or save electricity by improving the efficiency of our machines. We can also save natural resources while maintaining our living quality by replacing "one-time-use" products with refined and durable goods.
For the sake of sustainable development, environmental protection and economic development are equally important. It's necessary to maintain a balance between the two aspects.
Second, Taiwan can learn from other medium-sized countries -- such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland. Economically, its industries should be trans-formed into low pollution, high-added-value "intelligent indus-tries" in an effort to raise energy productivity. We should also replace today's high-consumption lifestyle with a more frugal one in accordance with the principle of environmental protection.
Third, the government should search for alternative energy sources. Thermal power generation by coal, fuel oil or natural gas will generate a great amount of carbon dioxide, causing global warming. Although wind and solar-power generation is already providing some electricity in a few countries, it's still necessary to develop higher generating efficiency in order to reduce the costs and boost competitiveness. These two methods are therefore unlikely to become mainstream energy sources anytime soon.
The future of hydrogen power generation seems bright at pre-sent. But scientists worry that the inevitable 10 percent to 20 percent hydrogen leak may damage the ozone layer. Besides, it takes other energy sources to generate hydrogen power. As for other "green energy" sources, they are still at the research and development stage. The government should therefore boost the amount of money it spends on research in this field.
Fourth, nuclear power is relatively advantageous because it does not generate carbon dioxide or cause global warming. Nuclear fuel can also be reused after processing. Since the safety of nuclear power plants has greatly im-proved, nuclear power has become the major energy source in France, Switzerland, Japan and some other advanced countries.
Before more appropriate treatment of nuclear waste is found, Taiwan's ideal choice of becoming a nuclear-free country is correct. Nevertheless, to reduce the economic impact of discarding nuclear power, we should first draw up a blueprint and gradually lower our dependence on nuclear power.
Fifth, half of the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant has been completed. In view of the nation's economy, policy continuity and international reputation, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of scrapping the pro-ject right now. In addition, thanks to advanced technologies adopted by the construction project, the safety of the plant is better than that of the three existing plants and its nuclear waste will be highly condensed.
To reduce our dependence on nuclear power and promote the safety of its use, early replacement of the existing plants can be considered. Plus, it takes 20 to 30 years to develop new green energy sources. Nuclear power can provide the energy needed to cover the shortfall in power during the transformation process.
Sixth, working out how to treat nuclear waste is an inevitable task on the way to becoming a nuclear-free homeland. As the saying goes, "Don't do to others what you don't want to be done to you." Nuclear waste should be processed domestically using the latest technologies. The media should frequently report on the successful treatment of waste in advanced countries, rather than constantly exaggerating the dangers of nuclear power, causing panic and irrational protests.
Seventh, this country has always implemented a relatively low-price energy policy. As a result, energy generated from domestic resources has gradually dropped to 3 percent of all power generated. We must understand the nation's special status in the international community. Once it comes under a naval and air blockade, industry may easily be paralyzed because of the lack of power. Energy diversity is necessary here. We should develop domestic energy sources.
A referendum will incur considerable social costs. The outcome of a referendum has no legal force if the legal basis is absent. That's exactly why we advocate completing the legislation of a referendum law (公投法) before any referendum is held. The losing side in a referendum will inevitably stage protests if the rules are not clear. In that case, the dispute over the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant will be endless.
Tsong Tien-tzou is a research fellow at the Institute of Physics at the Academia Sinica. Wang Chiu-sen is a former dean of the College of Public Health at National Taiwan University. Yang Shin-nan is a professor in the department of physics at National Taiwan University. All three are members of the Green Water Society.
TRANSLATED BY EDDY CHANG
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