The recent earthquake damage to a number of reactors in Japan has again highlighted the potential hazards of nuclear power in a dramatic way. The description of nuclear power as reliable, secure, and a source of unbeatable energy has turned out to be a myth. The nuclear power industry has struggled to make a comeback for decades. Now a revival is more unlikely than ever before. The catastrophe in Japan puts new focus on the operation of existing plants.
On April 6th, the Heinrich Boell Foundation in Israel will be co-hosting a conference on the issue of nuclear energy as an option for civilian use together with the Hartog School for Government and Policy at Tel Aviv University and the Israel Energy Forum. At the conference, which will be held at Tel Aviv University, we will be launching the book, "Myth of Nuclear Energy", written by Dr. Gerd Rosenkranz and translated into Hebrew with a chapter on the Israeli context written by Dr. Shahar Dolev. Dr. Rosenkranz will be coming in from Germany and will contribute to the opening remarks. Additional speakers include leading academics and scientists in Israel, civil society activists, journalists and Knesset members. The public is invited to this timely discussion.
To address the myths of nuclear power, the Heinrich Böll Foundation has commissioned renowned international nuclear experts to deliver detailed facts central to the myths of nuclear energy. This overview provides the public with a current, facts rich and nuclear critical know-how.
GERD ROSENKRANZ
Myths of Nuclear Power - An Overview
The book, “Myths of Nuclear Power: How the Energy Lobbyists Duped Us" delivers the long-overdue, nuclear critical know-how for the debate, pointing to alternatives, and unmasks nuclear energy for what it is: an irresponsible and expensive high-risk technology.
Download "Myth of Nuclear Energy - How the Energy Lobby is pulling the Wool over your Eyes" (pdf, 53 pages)
STEVE THOMAS
Myth: Nuclear Power Provides Lower Energy Prices
Steve Thomas, the author shows the true cost of nuclear power and makes it clear that nuclear energy in the free market economy without government support is not competitive.
Download "The Economics of Nuclear Power: an Update" (pdf, 70 pages)
HENRY SOKOLSKI
Myth: Civilian and Military Use of Nuclear Energy Can Be Separate
"Nuclear power plants are building blocks for nuclear bombs," says Henry Sokolski, the disarmament expert. Those striving for a world without nuclear weapons should not revive civilian nuclear energy. Climate change and nuclear non-proliferation should not be pitted against each other.
Download "Myth: Civilian and Military Use of Nuclear Energy Can be Separate" (pdf, 23 pages, 676 KB)
ANTONY FROGGAT / MYCLE SCHNEIDER
Systems for Change:Nuclear Power vs. EnergyEfficiency + Renewables?
A new myth of the nuclear lobby is the claim that nuclear power and renewable energies are complementary forms of energy. The authors Antony Froggat and Mycle Schneider prove the opposite: Those who build nuclear power plants hinder the expansion of renewable energies.
Download: "Systems for Change:Nuclear Power vs. EnergyEfficiency + Renewables?" (pdf, 48 pages, 1,21 MB)
STUDY
A European Community for Renewable Energies (ERENE)
The complete coverage of Europe's electricity needs is possible through renewable energy sources, but this requires new tools and strategies - the result of a study by Michaele Schreyer and Lutz Mez.
Download "Study: A European Community for Renewable Energies" (pdf, 98 pages, 1,71 MB)
OTFRIED NASSAUER
Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Energy – Siamese Twins or Double Zero Solution
Download "Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Energy – Siamese Twins or Double Zero Solution" (pdf, 48 pages, 306 KB)