Call for public consultation and transparency on nuclear path

THE EDITOR, Madam:

On October 23 and 24, 2024 both The Gleaner and Jamaica Observer reported that the Government of Jamaica has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Canadian firms to explore nuclear energy. Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications, and transport, called this a “significant milestone in Jamaica’s journey towards sustainable energy development”. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasised that this was not just a symbolic signing, but a step towards embracing advanced technology for Jamaica’s economic growth. He also stated that nuclear energy is a clean and sustainable option that will help reduce Jamaica’s dependence on fossil fuels.

The MOU signing follows months after public debate about the risks versus benefits of nuclear energy in the media. Supporters of nuclear energy in Jamaica point out that the country already houses the Caribbean’s first and only nuclear reactor at The University of the West Indies, Mona campus. The concerns raised include:

• Where will the waste produced by small modular reactors (SMRs) be stored? Disposal areas typically remain no-go areas for hundreds of years.

• What provisions would be in place for insurance, security, etc?

• SMR technology is still largely in the design phase, with few advancing towards deployment and commercialisation. If the goal is to reduce fossil fuel use and cut emissions, why not prioritise more affordable and proven technologies, such as solar and wind?

At the signing ceremony on October 22, the success of nuclear energy in other countries was emphasized. The Jamaica Environment Trust, however, believes several questions still need to be addressed, even though this is only the MOU phase. An MOU can eventually lead to binding agreements, making it essential to address concerns now:

• Have other renewable energy sources been fully explored before considering nuclear energy? Is there a particular reason why there is such a push for nuclear energy in Jamaica? There are other types of clean and affordable technology already available. There is also the question of cost and time development.

• While nuclear technology has advanced since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, risks still exist. Have these risks been thoroughly assessed in the Jamaican context, and can Jamaica realistically manage them, especially considering the country’s struggles with managing frequent local pollution incidents?

• Although SMRs are considered advanced and their risk of failure is lower, they are not risk-free. Failures of nuclear reactors can have long-term generational health and environmental impacts. Have these potential issues been carefully examined?

• What level of stakeholder consultation, if any, has taken place to address the concerns of the Jamaican public? Jamaicans deserve more than an announcement of plans, even at this early stage.

The decision to pursue nuclear energy will have lasting consequences for Jamaica’s future and it is crucial that the process is transparent, the public has access to all relevant information, including cost benefit analyses and with full public participation at every stage.

JAMAICA ENVIRONMENT

TRUST