Oct 262 min read

Letter of the Day | Deeply concerned over small modular reactors

Published: Saturday | October 26, 2024 | 12:06 AM

Are academically bogus claims lampsing up Jamaican people, politicians and investors?...

"THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to bring an urgent matter to your attention regarding the growing momentum around the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Jamaica. I am deeply concerned by the alacrity and apparent naivety with which this development is being choreographed, driven by narratives that gloss over significant technical and safety concerns.

It appears that some of the key voices pushing this agenda are more interested than informed, often lacking the necessary depth of competence. This haste is alarming, particularly when we consider lessons from our regional neighbours. Take, for example, Puerto Rico’s ill-fated foray into nuclear power with the 50 MW boiling nuclear superheater (BONUS) reactor. Despite its early promise, the project had to be terminated after less than two years of ‘operating’ in the late 1960s due to insurmountable safety and technical issues after just those few months of operation. The reactor was entombed in concrete; and Puerto Rico, a US territory, has since steered clear of nuclear energy.

In the broader Caribbean, Cuba and the Dominican Republic also have nuclear research reactors – the TRIGA II in Havana and the IRR-1 in Santo Domingo – but none of these are involved in power generation. These reactors, like our own SLOWPOKE-2 at UWI Mona, serve purely research and educational purposes. Even these Greater Antilles nations, with significantly larger populations and decades of nuclear research, have refrained from venturing into the dangerous territory of nuclear power generation on any Caribbean island.

Yet here we are, a small island of 2.9 million, seemingly rushing ahead without taking stock of the potential risks. What makes this situation more concerning is that our political and technical leadership seem to believe Jamaica is equipped to chart a nuclear path when even countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic have been far more cautious and turned off.

Further, Jamaica does not seem to consider that its SMR plans could trigger severe international backlash including armed conflict.

I hope the prime minister and the relevant ministers read this message: it is crucial to pause and carefully evaluate the implications of proceeding with SMRs in Jamaica. The technology might hold promise, but history teaches us that the consequences of getting nuclear power matters wrong can be catastrophic. Let us not be blinded by the allure of alleged “cutting-edge innovation” when the stakes are so high.

The media’s in this matter could be invaluable in ensuring that we tread cautiously and with wisdom."