Antinuclear

There are two ways of looking at the French nuclear company AREVA taking over an Australian solar company.

1. Areva’s resources, financial and expert, can bring the necessary push to really make this solar industry happen. And, with the financial mess that is developing in AREVA’s nuclear industry, this solar move could herald a very positive transition away from nuclear, and to renewables.

2. In Australia, we have a sad history of fossil fuel interests buying up solar industry initiatives precisely for the purpose of killing them off. AREVA has just joined forces with its powerful Korean nuclear competitor, KEPCO. Can corporations like Areva be trusted to really develop renewable technologies – or are they out to suppress them so as to promote their nuclear power empire?

I would like to think that Areva is truly diversifying, and promoting renewable energy technologies. I bear in mind the work of people like Ralph Nader, who has always been willing to talk with polluting corporations, and work for improvements.

Nevertheless, the fear remains.