Quote of The Day:“If We Fail to Plan,We Plan To Fail”
What is so significant about 2021 to Malaysia?It is a year in between the magical number of vision 2020 and the World Cup 2022.I guess some of us might be too ignorant to know or simply there isnt enough coverage or highlights regarding this milestone in 2021.Come on,lets cut is short(but still read the whole post ok?).Everyone,2021 is the targeted year where our beloved Malaysia’s first nuclear power plant is expected to be up and running.That is just one decade away or simply 9 years from now(is already October by the way).
On 7 June 2010,Energy, Green Technology, and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin told Parliament that the government would be conducting road shows to educate the public.Four months down the road,there has yet anything to be seen regarding the road show(I know there is plenty of road show in our country,one even named JOM HEBOH,that doesn’t count obviously).Fast Forward,NOW 2021,(Did Malaysia fulfil the 2020 vision?tell me if you guys know).What are the possible situation or impact if Malaysia do not have nuclear power plant in 2021?Lets ZOOM IN……..
Impact 1-Demand of electricity would not be able to be met
Between now and 2030, global primary energy consumption is expected to rise by 1.6% per annum or 45% in total in the next 21 years. Here in Malaysia, electricity demand is forecasted to reach 18,947 megawatts (MW) in 2020 and 23,092 megawatts (MW) in 2030. This is an increase of almost 35% from the 14,007 megawatts (MW) figure in 2008.In a recent interview with TNB CEO,during his hari raya open house,Datuk Seri Che Kalib said that the the demand for electricity had increased at a consistent rate of 6% to 8% each year and there was a demand for a new power plant to accommodate the increment.From his statement,it is clear that looking at the current increasing demand of electricity,TNB would not be able to meet the demand post 2021 if they are still using current solutions such as gas and coal.
Some may argue that TNB can actually adopt a change where they can cap the electricity usage by increasing the electricity tariffs.The rule of thumb would be that the consumer would learn to be “green” by reducing electricity usage at home and some company would even go to the extent of distributing brochure to educate or encourage their workers to save electricity(and save tax too).Nevertheless,this is a temporary solution.Being a normal human being,when we are in trouble we would conform to the norm.Would 28 millions of Malaysian continue to save electricity for the rest of their lives?Look around now(yes,while you are reading this),is your tv/radio on?is switch for the water heater on?We are in the hall yet the fan or aircond in our room is on…..That’s the REAL truth.
Impact 2-A step back from being a Green Nation
The main drawback regarding continuing generating electricity using coal is that it pollutes the air through carbon emission. Across the globe, there has been much talk about the need to adopt and embrace sustainable development and green technology best practices.As most nation are adopting green policy it is vital for Malaysia to prove to the world that we are indeed fully committed to the policy by reducing our carbon emission to the minimum level as recognized by the green policy.Recall back that on 24th of July 2009,Our Prime Minister,Dato’ Seri Najib launched Malaysia’s Green Technology policy.The launching marks an important milestone for Malaysia’s journey to the future as we take cognizance of the need for better and more efficient use of technology which will also be less harmful to the environment.
There is no question that our government is very serious in adopting the policy as among their first effort is to reform Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication and create the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water(currently held by Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui).This plan might end up in smoke if Malaysia do not have nuclear power plant by 2021. Malaysia, being a country that appreciates greatly its natural diversity of flora and fauna, finds it particularly important that significant strides are made towards that end(green nation). The Government has earmarked Green Technology as a new driver for economic growth of the country as it offers enormous opportunities and immense potential in economic regeneration, innovation and wealth creation.Nuclear power plant can create a revolutionary impact on our lives and reduce Malaysia’s carbon footprint while enhancing environmental sustainability.
Impact 3-Deny opportunity for job employment
A lot of people don’t like the idea of having nuclear as source of electrical energy such as protestors from.Nevertheless,our creator create the world in such a balance that there is another group of people who are excited about the prospect of nuclear plant and the possibilities they could bring with them.If Malaysia were to have nuclear power plant by 2021,there will be thousand of job opportunities as there are a lot of process involved in building the plant.As there are several stages involved(pre policy,pre project,construction n etc),people from all walks of life will get a chance to contribute as well as benefit from nuclear development programme.By not having a nuclear power plant in 2021 is certainly denying a lot of people to gain job employment.
As a prove,just by having 2 nuclear plants in Midland,America, more than 3,000 skilled craftworkers are needed to build those plants over the next ten years.Furthermore, In fact, Midlands Tech is designing new programs specifically intended to prepare students for these nuclear jobs and could be eligible to start working in less than a year with a basic salary of $35,000 per annum.Another case in United Kingdom in 2008 when UK government is aggressively adopting nuclear power,the then Business and Enterprise Minister, John Hutton while Speaking at a conference of Unite, the largest manufacturing union in the UK, mentioned that by having a new generation of nuclear power plants it could position UK as the gateway to a new nuclear renaissance across Europe.” He added, “The potential scale and complexity of each investment is breathtaking.”
Summary
The role electricity plays in our lives by enhancing our productivity, comfort, safety, health, and economy is obvious. We live with the benefits of electricity everyday. So much so that we take it for granted that whenever we plug our gadgets into the wall socket, the power will be there. While most people give little thought to where electricity comes from, there are many different ways to generate electricity, including coal, oil, gas, hydroelectric, nuclear, and solar. Each option inherits certain advantages that merit consideration whenever there is a need for a new power plant. Nuclear generated electricity is unique in that it inherently addresses many of the short-comings of the other means for power generation. The use of nuclear power provides answers for many problems in the areas of the environment, safety, economics, reliability, sustainability, and even waste.What are your thoughts Malaysian???Do raise your opinion or comment or even critism.
Sources
http://anilnetto.com/accountability/nuclear-energy-in-2021-but-no-decision/
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?sec=nation&file=/2010/9/23/nation/7082641
http://www.pmo.gov.my/?menu=speech&news_id=153&page=1676&speech_cat=2
http://www.nucleartourist.com/basics/why.htm
http://www.aboutnuclear.org/view.cgi?fC=Electricity,Benefits_%5E_Effects
http://www.wistv.com/global/story.asp?s=9660732
http://neinuclearnotes.blogspot.com/2010/08/comparison-of-energy-technologies-on.html
