SciDev.Net

Your recent editorial (see Should developing nations embrace nuclear energy?) contains some highly misleading and inaccurate statements about sources of power.

In particular, you state that renewable energy sources are unlikely to meet the energy demands of the world's rapidly growing urban population, and that technical, environmental and safety factors have tipped the risk-benefit balance in favour of nuclear power.

However, a June 2006 report commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety shows how Europe could cut carbon emissions from electricity generation by 70 per cent and phase out nuclear power by 2050 if it were to purchase energy generated in the Middle East and North Africa using 'concentrating solar power' (CSP).

It should be read in conjunction with an earlier report that shows how CSP, with other forms of renewable energy, can meet all current and future electricity needs in the Middle East and North Africa.

The same will be true for other countries in the world's sun belt, many of which are relatively poor.

These two reports are thorough and highly professional. They deserve close attention by all those concerned with energy supplies in all parts of the world. The concepts and policies described in the reports should be carefully considered at the highest levels.