Terrestrial Energy

I just finished reading a recently-released book entitled "Terrestrial Energy: How Nuclear Energy Will Lead the Green Revolution and End America's Energy Odyssey" by William Tucker.

The title tips you off to the premise of the book, but if you're anti-nuke, don't let that deter you from at least learning about the alternatives to nuclear. This book has the most comprehensive coverage of ALL our energy options, both historically and today, than any I've run across.

Those options include oil, shale oil, natural gas, coal, coal gasification, hydro, wind, solar and all are treated in a very even-handed, pro vs. con manner.

I was initially somewhat skeptical of the premise when it appeared he was buying into the man-made global warm hype. But I must say his discussion of BOTH sides of the global warming debate was the most comprehensive and unbiased I've read. Kudos to the author for being willing to wade into that quagmire and do so without overly tilting the scale towards his bias.

Equally important is the fact he doesn't try to shy away from or sweep under the rug the two events that have done the most damage to nuclear power's image: Three Mile Island and Chernobyl.

He tackles both head-on and honestly reveals the shortcomings, both technologically as well as the human factors, that resulted in those accidents. He also addresses what's been done to make sure those types of accidents cannot happen again, at least in the responsible free world.

If you have an interest in our current energy predicament, you need to read this book. It will poke holes in alot of the myths perpetrated by the greenies (both for alternatives and against nuclear) and will leave you with an honest assessment of all our options.

Highly recommended.