GOVERNMENT’S “COMPELLING” CASE FOR NUCLEAR

10-01-2008

The government has confirmed in the Commons today that it’s backing the creation of a new wave of nuclear power plants.  John Hutton, the Business Minister, said the case was “compelling” – although the Energy Bill also promotes greater use of renewables.

Nuclear currently provides around 20% of our energy needs, but the existing plants have a maximum life expectancy of two decades. 

Britain’s declining oil and gas reserves – as well as the decline of coal-fired power stations – mean that without alternative energy sources, we are likely to become more reliant on overseas energy sources.

It’s estimated that a third of our existing energy supplies will dry up within 20 years.

In a sop to critics, Hutton has said the “full costs” of decommissioning will have to be met by the power companies, although he was vague about how much they’ll have contribute to management of the waste they produce. 

The proposals coincide with a government push to liberalise planning laws which will make it easier to force through controversial applications if they are deemed to be of over-riding natural interest.

There will be many critics of the proposals – including, as we’ve reported here, Friends of the Earth in the West Midlands see link here

The challenge for the sceptics is – how would you stop the lights going out?

Are you for or against a new generation of nuclear power?

Leave a comment on The Stirrer forum.