By Nadine Wilson-Harris
Renewable energy specialist Dr. Dennis Minott is cautioning the government to re-evaluate its pursuit of nuclear power at this time, given several safety concerns and the reality that it will put a strain on Jamaica’s financial resources.
Dr. Minott admitted that the thrust towards nuclear power has some benefits, including the potential for long-term energy independence, but he feels the country should be focusing its attention on other energy sources that have minimal risks.
“I recommend that the Jamaican authorities re-evaluate the pursuit of nuclear power at this time. Instead, a more prudent approach would involve focusing on a comprehensive energy strategy that prioritises renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, farmed biomass, OTEC, and even merely sustainable geothermal, alongside energy efficiency measures,” he said.
He noted that the construction and commissioning of nuclear power plants require substantial upfront capital investments and that accidents can have catastrophic consequences, although modern nuclear power plants have robust safety measures.
“Nuclear power generates radioactive waste that requires careful management and disposal. Ensuring safe long-term storage and disposal facilities is crucial, and Jamaica must consider the environmental and health impacts associated with such waste,” he said, while pointing out that the absence of a skilled workforce capable of operating and maintaining a nuclear power plant also poses a significant challenge.
Minister of Science, Energy, and Technology, Daryl Vaz, has consistently stated that the government intends to incorporate nuclear power into the country’s energy mix as part of the thrust to make eco-friendly options available to Jamaicans.
“It is important for us to recognise the broader benefits of incorporating a cost-competitive energy source, such as nuclear energy, as our dominant source of energy. The opportunities that it can present in terms of the creation of new industries, employment, economic growth, and the overall well-being of Jamaicans can be enormous,” Vaz said during his sectoral presentation recently in parliament.
He believes the pursuit of nuclear energy should be a national priority and stated that there are ongoing discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an organisation that provides a global platform for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
Dr. Minott asserted that there should be careful scrutiny of partnerships and agreements to avoid undue influence and corruption. He wants foreign involvement in Jamaica’s nuclear power programme to be transparent and in alignment with national interests.
“Jamaica should explore partnerships with experienced countries in the renewable energy sector to promote technology transfer, capacity building, and investment. This collaborative approach would address energy security concerns, promote sustainability, and stimulate economic growth while reducing dependence on fossil fuels,” he said.
Minott noted that transitioning to nuclear power could help Jamaica meet its climate targets while maintaining a reliable energy supply. However, he believes any plans for nuclear power should include robust environmental impact assessments to mitigate against the potential risks to the local economic, social, and biological ecosystems.
