NUCLEAR POWER Clarification Of N.Z. Needs Likely Soon

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31975, 30 April 1969, Page 1

NUCLEAR POWER Clarification Of N.Z. Needs Likely Soon

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 29.

New Zealand’s move into the field of nuclear power may well be clarified soon, with a visit to New Zealand this week by a Canadian trade mission led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce (Mr Jean-Luc Pepin), to be followed by a visit at the end of May by the deputv chairman of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (Sir Charles Cunningham).

Another factor is the discovery of crude oil off Taranaki. As the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Marshall) said at the time of the strike, the find could possibly allow deferment of the introduction of nuclear power in New Zealand.

Early this year, with power consumption Tuning close to the estimates for 1968-69. the Electricity Department was understood to be urging the Government 1 to avoid any further delays in the programme for nuclear power de-J velopment

The original programme, called for the engaging of I consultants by the end of 1968. the calling of tenders ; in early 1970, the ordering of I plant in early 1971, the break- i ing of ground in early 1972, 1 and first generation in 1977 The Cabinet discussed the] possible appointment of consultants at a meeting last month, to advise whether nuclear power was needed in! New Zealand and, if so, the type of reactor which would best suit the country’s needs., The Prime Minister (Mr 1 Holyoakei told reporters at that time that no decision had yet been made.

Britain and Canada are rivals in the decision New Zealand may have to make on what type of plant to buy—a decision which appears certain to be both political and technical. The type of plant in use inj Britain uses heavy water for: i the moderator, natural water for cooling and enriched! uranium as fuel. The Cana-j dian system employs heavy water for cooling and moder-! |ating, but uses natural unen-i inched uranium.

A third type now under design in Britain uses heavy water for moderating, natural water for cooling and natural uranium. Smaller Units The Electricity Department is understood to favour the Canadian system, claiming it is more economic for smaller units. It is fully expected that nuclear power will be one of the subjects Mr Pepin will discuss with the Government on Friday, and that Sir Charles Cunningham will also be putting his case next! month. The British High Commisjsion today confirmed that Sir Charles Cunningham will arrive in New Zealand on ! May 24 for a week's stay. His official talks in Wellington 'will be held on May 26 and 27