The major problem that the developing and underdeveloped countries seem to be facing currently is the energy crisis. Energy which is necessary to fuel their constantly proliferating economies is constantly depleting and these countries are shelling out large amounts to import energy from other countries, which in turn is hampering the country’s development rate.
Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam in particular are seemingly facing this crisis more. According to Piyasvasti Amranand, energy minister for Thailand, the per capita energy consumption of his country was rocketing of which they were already importing 60 percent energy and to maintain this rate they needed new sources. For this the countries are planning to turn to nuclear power which according to them is a better option. In an interview to AFP Mr. Amranand was quoted as saying,
We have to look at nuclear, which is proven technology.
The use of nuclear energy can reduce the use of fossil fuels which are non conventional sources of energy and are depleting at an alarming rate. Nuclear energy is also known as clean energy because while being produced it doesn’t release harmful carbons and other greenhouse gases thus minimizing pollution. Supporting this US President George W. Bush said:
rich countries should help developing nations obtain secure, cost-effective and proliferation-resistant nuclear power
Also Greenpeace activists have supported nuclear usage. However, the ill-effects of nuclear energy cannot be ruled out. The Chernobyl disasters, lack of safe waste disposal mechanisms and the cost of building nuclear reactors are some of the factors that should be considered.
