In comparison to wind power, LFTR reactor technology provides the best solution for New Zealand’s future energy needs. LFTR technology provides a highly dense supply of energy that is sustainable, produces little waste, and is very safe. Highly efficient, compact, and affordable, LFTR technology provides the answer to meet energy production and supply goals. While producing waste, and is a nuclear form of power in an anti-nuclear nation, its positives outweigh its negatives. It would exceed the strategies goals of dealing with energy supply and climate change thus providing a greener future than wind power. LFTRs qualities improve considerably upon traditional nuclear power, with less waste, more safety and more energy. New Zealand will still be nuclear free as legislation does not oppose nuclear power, but nuclear weapons. With LFTRs anti-proliferation measures, LFTR would raise NZ’s nuclear weapons proliferation profile, and would not undermine it. It is therefore clear that LFTR presents an unrivaled option that cannot be ignored. Listed below are the recommendations from this report.
Thorium derived energy, projects a New Zealand future that is cleaner, safer and highly efficient, where the government’s current strategic goals of energy security and production can be vastly exceeded. LFTR technology qualities of more power and safety and less waste, LFTR heralds a secure future, where wind power does not. LFTRs cost-benefit analysis shows it is the most efficient to meet New Zealand’s needs. Wind power cannot compete with LFTRs efficiency of producing a clear stable supply of cheaper energy. LFTRs potential is limited only to ones imagination, as waste heat can be used for other purposes e.g. water desalination and producing ammonia fuel. Together, LFTR far exceeds the government’s energy strategies goals in areas of economic stimulation, and energy production and supply. With the belief in wind power, the energy strategy is flawed in its belief on wind power producing such qualities. Nuclear power in NZ has always been turned down; however these arguments against nuclear are based on conventional nuclear reactor designs. By signing the Kyoto Protocol, New Zealand has expressed its commitment to a ‘Greener’ future, to which LFTR can provide. As a result this report recommends that the government invest in Thorium fuelled LFTR technology while creating an explicit and detailed plan for it to meet New Zealand’s 21st century energy needs. Other recommendations include effective public relations campaigns to reassure those weary of nuclear power, as well as producing strategies to deal with spent fuel.