Sun power may delay reactors

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34123, 8 April 1976, Page 7

Sun power may delay reactors

The introduction of nuclear power to New Zealand could be delayed at least five years if the use of solar energy continued to grow at its present rate, said a Christchurch solar heating expert (Air N. Hol•lingworth). ' Mr Hollingworth told a j conference in Auckland on Tuesday that most New Zealland homes and industries i would be using the sun to lheat water within 15 years. ■ “Bv then, solar absorbers jwill be as much a part of 'everyday life as washing ma-

chines.” he said. “At the same time they will play an important role in this country’s future. "Apart from cutting waterheating costs by up to 60 per. cent, they will reduce the! country’s oil bill, delay any) plans to build a nuclear power station, and conserve lake levels for peak period generation.” Mr Hollingworth said that if all homes and industries in; ■New Zealand were equipped, wifh solar heating now. it would cut New Zealand’s; electricity consumption by 13| ,per cent and would save! about S9onr a year. “And with power costs -estimated to double every 10 years, the alternatives to; solar energy will become so) ■'unattractive that they won’t; Intake sense.” he said.