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Answer to our energy problems
ONE million people (Leeds and Wakefield combined) require one gigawatt of electricity and supplying this for one year uses 3,200,000 tonnes of coal, which would fill Elland Road Stadium five times.
It emits 8,500,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases and produces 900,000 cubic metres of toxic (and radioactive) fly ash.
One tonne of thorium (a 17inch cube) would do the same job. It 'burns' safely, to supply electricity cheaper than any other form of generation and, it produces no greenhouse gases or dangerous wastes.
Voters of Leeds and Wakefield, raise your hands if you like the idea, even though you might be thinking it can't possibly be true.
Well, you've just voted for Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors (LFTRs).
This method of electricity generation can meet the energy needs of developed and developing worlds within a couple of decades and provide power (electrical and transport) to every one of the projected nine billion peak population.
The fuel, thorium, is so abundant it will be here long after homo sapiens has ceased to exist.
Functioning reactor designs worked 50 years ago in the USA, but it was politically buried and, although resurrected eight years ago by Kirk Sorensen (see his blogs and on YouTube), nothing much is happening.
I'm at an age where I want political action in the UK, before I fall off my perch and since there is no greater single issue facing humankind, I will strive to create a single issue party 'The LFTRs to Power the Planet Party'.
The only objective will be to get sufficient seats at the next election to force whichever party is in power into action, with all the growth and jobs creation that implies.
Incidentally, if anthropogenic global warming is happening, it will cure that also.
Do some research and if you see the light, join the party (particularly if you fancy an MP's salary). Email me at: lftrs@hotmail.co.uk
Colin Megson, Leeds 17
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Weather for Leeds
Thursday 24 May 2012
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