Energy Production: (SEPT 25) Comparing the Options

Fossil fuels are widely recognized for enabling industry, agriculture, world trade, medicine, and greater lifespan but also for reported effects on climate and environment. A majority of scientists agree that global warming since the industrial revolution is caused in part by fossil fuel emissions, but no one knows how much or if this brings dangerous warming or sea rise. The United Nations international panel on climate change (IPCC) admits that efforts to curb CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions since 1988 have failed and now it advocates extreme solutions to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. This will require enormous amounts of “green” energy that can only come from nuclear power. This knowledge is essential for the public to demand a rational energy policy without political and ideological influences.

Michael Armenia is a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering and graduate degrees in computer science and business. He was an executive engineer for 30 years at Raytheon Company evaluating energy R&D projects in solar, wind, hydro, batteries, wave, fossil and nuclear energy.

Captain Armenia served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, active and reserve, including 20 in energy applications for ships, submarines, battlefields, and ocean systems. He commanded research units at the Naval Sea Systems Command and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. In both civilian and military roles, he worked in design, production and repair of nuclear reactors and propulsion systems. Since retirement he has advocated energy solutions that are practical, effective, and safe rather than theoretical or politically inspired. He is a founding member of The Energy Council of Rhode Island.