Sustaining the Wind, Part I...

[kristopher]

15. Coal and nuclear, two sides of the same coin

Coal and nuclear, two sides of the same coin.

Experts urge coal, nuclear energy future
Natural gas supplies drying up, they say
12 Aug 2015 at 03:48
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

Thailand must build more coal-fired and new nuclear power plants to meet its energy needs and strengthen energy security as future supplies of natural gas are uncertain, engineers said yesterday.

Academics from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Engineering made the comments at a press briefing Tuesday.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha late last month ordered the halt of a planned coal-fired power plant and seaport in southern Krabi province after protests against the projects. He appointed a panel comprising representatives from the government, National Reform Council, National Legislative Assembly and public sector to discuss alternative solutions, including renewable energy options.

Pinyo Meechumna, from Chulalongkorn's Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, said the country's energy security was at risk as its power plants rely too heavily on natural gas. Of the country's natural gas consumption, 70% is domestically produced while the rest is purchased from neighbouring countries.

He said if this situation continued...

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/652472/experts-urge-coal-nuclear-energy-future


And Not Coincidentally...

Law curbing public assembly takes effect in Thailand
Source: AP NEWS

A protester shows the three-finger salute during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok last year. Pic: AP.

BANGKOK (AP) — A new law has come into effect in Thailand that curbs public gatherings and bans protests at the prime minister’s office, airports and various other public places.

Human rights groups have criticized the Public Assembly Act and its stiff penalties. It is the latest restrictive measure put in place since the military ousted an elected government in a coup last year. The coup followed years of political demonstrations that led to violence and often paralyzed the country’s capital.

The law that took effect Thursday requires protesters to inform police about rallies at least 24 hours before they are held. It bans demonstrations within 150 meters (500 feet) of government offices, courts, airports, train and bus stations.

Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd called the law “a necessity for Thailand.”

http://asiancorrespondent.com/134796/law-curbing-public-assembly-takes-effect-in-thailand/


We see that same trend within current hard-right Japanese government - exemplified by the draconian states secrets law they passed to help enable wrenching the nation back onto the hard energy path.

Abe’s secrets law undermines Japan’s democracy
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/12/13/commentary/japan-commentary/abes-secrets-law-undermines-japans-democracy/

A bit more from an old classmate...

Japan Passes Draconian Secrecy Bill Into Law: Journalists, Whistleblowers are now “terrorists”
POSTED BY JAKEADELSTEIN ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2013
December 9th, Tokyo* (Updated from December 7th post)

The Prime Minister Abe Shinzo (LDP) led ruling coalition passed the ominous new Designated Secrets Bill yesterday in the middle of the night on December 7th (Friday, Tokyo time), apparently fearing that the light of another day, or the harsh radiation of the truth, would cause the legislation to shrivel up and die. The ruling government cut off debate and forced a vote in the upper house of Japan’s parliament, The Diet, before the clock could strike midnight. 130 were in favor, 82 were opposed.

The law will punish journalists and whistleblowers who divulge government secrets with up to ten years in prison, and up to five years for those who “instigate leaks” (ask questions about state secrets). There is no independent third-party organization set in place to monitor how the law is applied and it gives every ministry and the smallest government agency or related committee carte blanche to declare any inconvenient information “top secret.”

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the LDP, Komeito, and “Your Party” relentlessly pushed the bill forward, despite a sudden dip in cabinet support rates to below 50% and increasing opposition within Japan and the world. Earlier this week, the LDP Secretary General, Shigeru Ishiba, labeled the growing protests “tantamount to terrorism” which prompted more public outcry. There were estimated to be 15,000 people outside Japan’s parliament (The Diet) chanting in protest when the bill was passed.

We don’t know what will be a secret. We don’t know who will be kept private under this law. And it’s a law that doesn’t inform the citizens of anything, so I oppose it… The current administration is slowly trying to create a country that has the ability to fight a war. I’ll continue to fight against this law, because it is the beginning of such a country. —Unemployed, 53, Yoriko W●●●, who protested the bill on December 6th.

More at http://www.japansubculture.com/japan-passes-draconian-secrets-law-journalists-whistleblowers-are-now-terrorists/