Renewables issues

May East of CIFAL defines 
sustainable energy as “energy that is accessible, cleaner and more 
efficient” (Friends of The Scotsman, 27 August).

Since this is not the usual definition, does it indicate an acceptance of a wider definition, one that, for example, would include nuclear energy? The latter is
certainly accessible, cleaner and more efficient that the predominant renewable: wind power.

No, it seems that she only has so-called “renewable energy” in mind and believes that it can provide all the energy (does she mean electricity?) that developing countries will need.

However, it seems unlikely that damming more rivers and trying to spread wind farms across Africa, Asia and Latin America will make much difference.

Already, the primary source for electricity in developing countries is coal (with some 
nuclear). Let’s not export our renewable disasters worldwide.

Steuart Campbell

Dovecot Loan

Edinburgh