Nuclear Power For N.Z.

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31628, 14 March 1968, Page 12

Nuclear Power For N.Z.

Sir,—l feel sure your article and photograph yesterday will give a totally wrong impression of what a modern nuclear power station is like. It is rather like publishing an article on modern automobiles for people who have never seen one, and illustrating it with a photograph of a Model T Ford. Calder Hall was the first nuclear generating station in the world and all the separate components were built external to the reactor for easy access. All nuclear stations since Calder Hall and its twin at Chapelcross have been totally enclosed. None has cooling towers belching out steam, and they are as acceptable architecturally as the new Reserve Bank in Christchurch. While there was nothing factually wrong in the article it was not up to date. The three second - generation A.G.R. nuclear stations now being built in Britain will produce electricity 10 per cent cheaper than the most modern coal-fired station. Lord Robens, chairman of the National Coal Board, recently stated that no more coal-fired power stations will be built in Britain after the completion of the present programme.— Yours, etc.,

G. WHITTLE March 13, 1968.