I would like to encourage…

I would like to encourage the Ontario government to endorse a 100% renewable energy policy. I applaud the government's foresight in eliminating coal-sourced energy, and would like them to continue to be a leader in the move towards renewable energy.

Nuclear is a renewable energy. A few years ago I read the book, SuperFuel: Thorium, the Green Energy Source for the Future by Richard Martin. I am not a scientist, and I found parts of the book difficult to understand, but I persevered because I thought it was extremely important. I was astounded to learn that nuclear energy, produced using thorium instead of uranium, eliminates the risk of nuclear meltdowns, significantly reduces waste products and renders them less dangerous, and that spent uranium can be recycled and used again as a fuel source instead of having to find some way to safely store the stuff.

Since then, I have learned that Candu reactors, which we invented, can be adapted to burn thorium as a fuel source. Why are we not doing this???!!! Our reactors are being used in China to do this. http://www.candu.com/en/home/news/mediareleases/CanduEnergyWelcomesPositiveReviewofAFCR.aspx

In this article it said, "China currently operates two CANDU reactors at the Qinshan site, and both are expected to be modified to use recycled uranium fuel in 2015."

I am all for adopting any other forms of renewable energy as well, but to me, this would make the most significant difference. We have the technology, it is abundant, and it is safe. What are we waiting for? I am not sure if there is some reason this is not possible yet, but seeing as we were the inventors of these Candu reactors, I'm sure we could be the first to start adapting them to using thorium - well maybe second- I'm not sure if China already has; but this is where the government should be making investments.

Ontario’s next energy plan needs to remove barriers to citizens and communities becoming energy self-sufficient. Ontario’s next energy plan should empower everyone from citizens and co-ops to municipalities and First Nations to become energy producers, especially if you are going to continue with the sale of Hydro One. The price of hydro is already too high. People need the ability to create their own energy in order to safeguard themselves from price hikes, or maybe make a little profit themselves. Many small producers also make the system less likely to be subject to a major shutdown.

We can not afford to go backwards. We need new vision, and though we will probably make mistakes along the way, it is the leaders of new technology who benefit the most. I hope you move forward towards 100% renewable energy. The province, as well as the planet, depend upon it.

[Original Comment ID: 206094]