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23rd July, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR: National Utility firm, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has set up a task force to do a pre-feasibility study on nuclear power as the alternative energy in view of the higher oil prices.
As the nation nears 2020, perhaps that nuclear power is more of a necessity rather than profitability.
The National Energy Blueprint, which is due to be launched next month, may also state that nuclear power is expected to play an important role, according to The Edge Daily.
“The government has asked Tenaga to look at nuclear power,’ said Dr Mohd Zam Zam Jaafar, the head of the task force.
“We are looking at about RM10 billion for a 1,000 MW plant” said the head of the task force.
Though the nuclear task force is at its early stages TNB has already in discussion with various parties on how to go about and where to source uranium (the fuel source for nuclear power plants).
Besides that, “We are also looking at where to build the plant. However, it is too early to name where,” Zam Zam added.
He also explained that any nuclear plant would have to follow the strict guidelines set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“Safety of course is our number one concern, but we believe we can eventually build the expertise,” he said, despite the fact that there is still a lot to do especially in changing the mindset of the people towards it.
To do that there is a possibility that TNB might be seek joint-venture with experienced party to build its very own first plant.
“It only takes just over two years to train people to run the plant. As for the maintenance portion, Tenaga has Remaco (TNB Repair and Maintenance Sdn Bhd) that could also look for tie-ups with parties that have nuclear expertise,” he said.
TNB, since the 70s had already set up a division to tap nuclear energy however the easy availability of gas along with the controversies surrounding nuclear, the plans was shelved given priority to easily accessible resources.
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