Do your research on small modular reactors

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing with reference to the article, ‘Jamaica signs MOU with Canadian firms for nuclear energy,’ published on October 25.

People of Portmore, St Catherine, and all of Jamaica, need to explore the opportunities and challenges of installing small modular reactors (SMRs).

Regulations in developing countries are not as strong as regulations in developed countries, so we have to keep that in mind when installing SMRs in Jamaica to supply approximately 300,000 homes with electricity. We have never had small modular reactors of this magnitude installed in Jamaica.

Jamaicans who have background in nuclear physics, and those who operate the reactor at the UWI or whomever can explain technical terms, like what is the function of a ‘turbine’ in relation to small modular reactors, should do so.

We are in the 21st century and there are a host of technical information that is in simple English so everyone can understand. We do not need to be uneducated about any subject and just believe what experts tell us.

We need to know the environmental effect of SMR technology, where in Jamaica chemical waste will be disposed, and how the circulation of chemical air within the plant will be regulated.

I am very familiar with some the chemical effects of some industries, because I had worked in some of them as an electronics and manufacturing engineer.

Finally, I am appealing to every Jamaican at home and abroad to research Canada’s track record regarding SMR technology – how they regulate the circulation of chemical air within SMR plants, and how and where they dispose of the chemical waste of SMRs.

CARGILL KELLY