The terrible events in Japan may well cast doubt on the safety of nuclear generation and, while reliable renewables such as tidal power can make some contribution as a substitute for nuclear, wind power cannot.

It is too undependable and, despite the speculators’ usually spurious claims, the outputs of even the latest skyscraper towers are trifling. Current wind energy policies are already heading for an era of unaffordable electricity and power cuts.

Any further expansion of wind power will wreck our economy and force industry, business and homes to rely on expensive and polluting candles, oil stoves and portable generators.

Make no mistake. If we do not have nuclear, the only way to generate public supplies is by setting fire to something, be it oil, gas, coal or wood (although the cheapest and most plentiful fuel may well be EU directives!).

ALUN JOHN RICHARDS
Swansea, Wales
Source: The Western Mail, Letters, 29 March 2011