Iowa needs reliable power

Iowa needs a reliable supply of electric power for now and for the future. Let's take a realistic look at how much we can depend on solar and wind to be that reliable supply of power. Experience has shown that when the federal government can no longer subsidize them, these industries will no longer be viable.

The federal government tried to jump-start a solar power industry during the Carter administration in the late 1970s. Caterpillar Tractor accepted a federal grant to install solar reflectors at its plant in San Leandro, Calif., where there is plenty of sunshine. Caterpillar found that, even after the government subsidized the purchase and installation of solar reflectors, operating and maintaining them was not economically viable without further government subsidy. Caterpillar's experience was typical. The same is true of solar-electrical generation. The average solar-powered electricity generation is about 20 percent of its rated output.

Wind powered generators average about 35 percent of their rated output. That will not carry the base load required for our industrialized society. The wind is free, but the generating equipment, transmission system, and maintenance are not. Also, public utilities still have to maintain the backup equipment to supply power when the wind powered generators cannot. This is not free either. Again, without the government subsidy, wind power is not economically viable.

Last winter, when temperatures were at their lowest, coal and nuclear power plants were carrying the electrical grid. It was too cold for the windmills' lubrication to function. It was also too cold to maintain the pressure in natural gas lines. We must be realistic about what can actually be considered dependable sources of power for our state.

A more reliable plan would be the nuclear plant Mid America Energy wanted to site and build in Eastern Iowa. A nuclear unit generates about 1,000 MW of electricity day and night, with or without wind, and without government subsidies. It generates tax revenue instead of absorbing tax revenue. It generates several hundred well-paying, permanent jobs. It has an average generation of over 90 percent of its rated output and emits no greenhouse gases. There are about 5 chances in 10 million that it will release any radionuclides to the public in any given year. By comparison, a coal plant releases more radioactivity to the public, not to mention greenhouse gases, every year than does any nuclear plant. A nuclear plant - like the one Mid America wanted to build a few years ago - would be a more realistic plan for Iowa's future rather than additional windmills or solar farms.

Chet Sullivan, of Marion, has worked in energy research, development and production for over 35 years. Comments: css7777@mchsi.com.