Government tender delayed nuclear energy studies and experts reject as
Two further analysis of this technology competitive bidding process no later than March 31, however, are not yet ready for the contest bases
The Ministry of Energy removed the “gas pedal” to resume studies on the feasibility of installing nuclear power plants in Chile. While the commitment of the Secretary of State was issuing tenders no later than March 31, did not.
The portfolio original plan directed by Jorge Bunster, was to have two new analysis which showed whether it is viable or not the incorporation of nuclear energy to the national grid.
The first report tendered would be to identify areas of Chile would be feasible, for its geological characteristics, to build plants of this type, to ensure the safety of the electrical system.
The second analysis will address the kind of technology that would make feasible the construction of power plants. While standard power in the world over 1,000 MW, would be considered for the country plants with 400 MW sizes, which make it possible to incorporate the system.
Why not made? Sources familiar with the process told that the ministerial team chose to focus on more urgent work, such as projects for the interconnection of power systems.
Other sources add that the wording of the bidding has taken longer than planned. These documents are not yet ready, the three-month deadline set by the Ministry to publish the tender.
However, in the state procurement portal, the Subsecretary of Energy has published in recent weeks other bids, such as the development of a monitoring system to estimate the dates of commissioning of power generation and transmission construction declared by firms.
They also published the tender for a study to propose an improvement to the regulatory and institutional framework for distributed generation in the country.
Zanelli: A “regrettable” delay
Studies on nuclear energy is not new. Already in 2007 the President, Michelle Bachelet, formed an experts commission to study this technology.
Leading the panel was the physicist Jorge Zanelli, who nearly six years of the recommendations, said that further delay in the studies “seems unfortunate, is not wanting to know what is our reality.”
He says to think of a nuclear program “must consider all variables to reach a solid knowledge base to make a decision.”
“In a preliminary analysis looked at this technology as a timely and convenient, what could be going to the middle of the next decade. But all that was in the air with the delays in decisions, “he says.
He adds that, without any doubt, the seismic condition of the country “is a deep problem, so it requires a detailed information of our territory. That will take a long time, perhaps a collection of information that will take four or five years. Any government should do, it is something interesting and no one will do it for us. “
For academic and Electroconsultores’s CEO, Francisco Aguirre, a nuclear power plant would “knob” to a country with the conditions and resources of Chile, especially for mining.
“Bachelet shoot this topic to the current government, which asked its advisory council guideline (CADE) which also recommended continuing with studies. Then, as a citizen, I think this government is subject to the street’s cry , where many do advance against this type of technology, “he says.
Source: La Segunda
