Q8. What is nuclear energy policy in your home country? OR What
is your opinion toward sustainable energy choices?
(My answer before class)
Jamaica’s nuclear energy policy and accompanying regulations permit the use of nuclear energy though the government has as yet been able to develop the technological capabilities to facilitate this ambition the government has indicated that it is looking to incorporate nuclear power in the country’s energy mix as part of the thrust to make eco-friendly options available to all Jamaicans noting that newer and smaller nuclear reactors are safe for generating electricity. I agree that nuclear energy can be considered a sustainable energy choice though I am not as confident about the country’s current ability to effectively handle the potential environmental, occupational, social, and health risks associated with the construction, operation, maintenance and decommission especially as it relates to emergency response and waste management.
(My partner's answer)
The nuclear energy policy in Taiwan is to replace nuclear energy with green energy. However, we’ve been encountered power shortage for several time due to this policy which comes from our ruling party, Democratic Progressive Party. In my perspective, I think If we are to consider the efficiency, the nuclear energy is definitely the best way to generate energy. With little material used, we can generate numerable energy. Nonetheless, the premise is that we make sure everything is in a good protection and control.
(My answer after class)
In my opinion, I still believe that nuclear energy can be considered a sustainable energy choice though I am still not as confident about the country’s current ability to effectively handle the potential environmental, occupational, social, and health risks associated with the construction, operation, maintenance and decommission especially as it relates to emergency response and waste management. This is underscored by the fact that as a small island developing state we are constrained by limited economic capacity and space to deal with any fall-out event even though I have been shown evidence in class about the high safety record of nuclear energy. I am therefore aware of my biases which are shaped by my past experiences and would think that my consternations would be satisfied only if it is truly political bi-partisan, NGO and foreign and local technocrat involvement in the construction, operation, maintenance and decommission especially as it relates to emergency response and waste management.