Failed nuclear power station becomes solar power station

How can you not be lured by a headline like this: “Nuclear power goes solar”? Or so says a piece of news posted on the Greenpeace website a few days ago. So what’s it all about?

Well, a former nuclear power station in Austria has been reopened as a solar power station. Yes, you read it right. According to the report, the Zwentendorf nuclear plant was never operated and has been mothballed since the 1970s. On Saturday it opened for clean energy business (to the tune of 1.2 million euros) as the largest solar power station in Austria.

Greenpeece was invited to hang a banner from the station. The organization chose to emblazon on the banner the following line: “Energy Revolution -Climate Solution.”

Still according to the report, a 1978 national referendum chose to keep the station inactive and nuclear fuel rods were never inserted into the reactor. Since then, the white elephant has stood dormant by the river Danube. Until last Saturday, that is.

Greenpeace says: “The only safe nuclear power comes from the sun”. Now, that’s an enlightened thing to say. Congratulation to Austria for setting such a great example on renewable energy.

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Antonio Pasolini

London-based, Italo-Brazilian journalist and friend of the earth.

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