15 Years Before Atomic Power Economic In U.S.

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28530, 8 March 1958, Page 8

15 Years Before Atomic Power Economic In U.S.

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, March 7. Atomic power for peaceful use would not be an economic venture in the United States for at least 15 years, said Mr Alfred Iddles, president of the American Atomic Industrial Forum, xtfhen he arrived for a month’s holiday in New Zealand, on board the Matson liner, Mariposa. At present, four big atomic power plants were under construction—at New York, Detroit, Massachusetts, and Chicago, while the new plant at Pittsburgh had come into operation recently. Mr Iddles said atomic power was not needed yet in the United States, as it had plenty of coal. However, active development had taken place with an eye. on the multiple uses in the future. “I know that in New Zealand it is still cheaper to use hydroelectric power than atomic power, but there’ll come a time when you will need it,” said Mr Iddles. He added that even how, New Zealand universities should train physicists and engineers to become familiar with the subject. Lecturers should have ample experience with research equipment. ‘‘lf New Zealand wishes, it can send out qualified people to the .United States, where they can

study at Government laboratories and at universities,” he said. Information Centre The Atomic Industrial Forum, explained Mr Iddles, had been founded in 1954. He was one of the founders. It compared with an association of engineers, and incorporated large and small firms. Its main task was to distribute information on the use of atomic power and to propagate it. Mr Iddles, who is also a director of the large manufacturing firm of Badcock and Wilcox in the United States, said: “Britain is ahead of the United States and has done a magnificent job. The United States is following another road with its research. Britain is concentrating on the use of natural uranium, while the United States is using enriched uranium.” The difference was, said Mr Iddles, that enriched uranium contained a larger proportion of U 235 —an isotope of uranium which makes it. more active. U 235 was also used in atomic warfare, he added.

Mr Iddles who is accompanied by his wife, will address engineers in Wellington on the of atomic power on March