Biomass fuel creates jobs; nuclear exports them
The Finns have researched, developed, and implemented methods for cost-effective utilization of biomass fuels. Their procurement is not that expensive. For example, the delivered cost for harvesting of renewable peat and forest wastes, their only indigenous fuel, is now below $14 Can per megawatt (one megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts). Canada's natural gas costs range from $35 to $40 per megawatt. Can cost for generating electricity via the nuclear technology compare with this? Nuclear energy is definitely not without pollution. There may not be atmospheric pollution on a continuing basis similar to that in coal-fired power plants where effective flue-gas cleaning techniques have not been installed. With nuclear there already exists pollution and serious health problems associated with mining, notwithstanding what could happen with the plants themselves.With biomass fuelled power plants, we not only have more control, but more importantly, we can create continuing employment opportunities in the harvesting, processing and proper management of our natural resources.
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