Menu
13/07/2006
Nuclear power back on UK generation agenda
The Government has backed a return to nuclear power as ministers pledge support for a new generation of nuclear reactors to generate electricity.
The Energy Review stated that nuclear power would make a "significant contribution" to the energy requirements of the UK.
The Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling told the House of Commons that the private sector would "initiate, fund, construct and operate" the new breed of nuclear power stations. Investors would also cover the decommissioning costs and share the expense of long term management of waste.
Mr Blair, accompanied by Alistair Darling and Environment Secretary David Miliband, on a visit to an offshore wind farm off the coast of Whitstable in Kent, said nuclear power would be part of the solution.
"Yes, we've got to do more of the renewables but we also have to do everything. It's not a question of either/or, it's everything that's got to be done to make a difference.''
He said the Government wanted to see renewable energy grow by five times in the next 15 years.
Mr Blair added: "We're about to move to a situation of importing energy. We have to at least replace our nuclear power stations. These decisions have to be taken now. Fifteen years down the line we have got high energy prices and real problems.
"Everyone will concentrate on nuclear but one of the reasons for coming here is to say nuclear is part of the answer, it's not the only answer.''
However, ministers stressed that although nuclear power was an option, they wanted to see this used with a mix of renewable energy sources, such as wind, tidal, and solar power.
Steps will also be taken to cut down the demand for electricity by measures to reduce the amount of electricity required for consumer devices.
The Energy Review indicated that around one third of the current power generation capacity will reach the end if its life.
Mr Darling said that this was a critical moment to make informed choices which would determine the safeguarding of power supplies for the next 30 to 40 years.
A Government white paper is expected to be published before the end of the year.
The Irish Government's Environment Minister Dick Roche, referring to concerns about Sellafield, said he and his colleagues were "disappointed" and would be making their concerns known to the British Government.
(SP)
The Energy Review stated that nuclear power would make a "significant contribution" to the energy requirements of the UK.
The Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling told the House of Commons that the private sector would "initiate, fund, construct and operate" the new breed of nuclear power stations. Investors would also cover the decommissioning costs and share the expense of long term management of waste.
Mr Blair, accompanied by Alistair Darling and Environment Secretary David Miliband, on a visit to an offshore wind farm off the coast of Whitstable in Kent, said nuclear power would be part of the solution.
"Yes, we've got to do more of the renewables but we also have to do everything. It's not a question of either/or, it's everything that's got to be done to make a difference.''
He said the Government wanted to see renewable energy grow by five times in the next 15 years.
Mr Blair added: "We're about to move to a situation of importing energy. We have to at least replace our nuclear power stations. These decisions have to be taken now. Fifteen years down the line we have got high energy prices and real problems.
"Everyone will concentrate on nuclear but one of the reasons for coming here is to say nuclear is part of the answer, it's not the only answer.''
However, ministers stressed that although nuclear power was an option, they wanted to see this used with a mix of renewable energy sources, such as wind, tidal, and solar power.
Steps will also be taken to cut down the demand for electricity by measures to reduce the amount of electricity required for consumer devices.
The Energy Review indicated that around one third of the current power generation capacity will reach the end if its life.
Mr Darling said that this was a critical moment to make informed choices which would determine the safeguarding of power supplies for the next 30 to 40 years.
A Government white paper is expected to be published before the end of the year.
The Irish Government's Environment Minister Dick Roche, referring to concerns about Sellafield, said he and his colleagues were "disappointed" and would be making their concerns known to the British Government.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 September 2015
£2bn Guarantee Announced For Nuclear Power Plant
The government has announce financial support of £2 billion for a new nuclear power station in Somerset. Announcing the government guarantee Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said that nuclear power stations are "essential to make sure the lights stay on".
£2bn Guarantee Announced For Nuclear Power Plant
The government has announce financial support of £2 billion for a new nuclear power station in Somerset. Announcing the government guarantee Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said that nuclear power stations are "essential to make sure the lights stay on".
24 September 2009
Legal Challenge On New Power Station
Campaigners have lodged papers at the Court of Session in Edinburgh which may halt the construction of a new power station in Ayrshire, it has been reported. Action group, Communities Opposed to New Coal at Hunterston (Conch), has appealed for a judicial review of the plans for the coal-fired power station at Hunterston.
Legal Challenge On New Power Station
Campaigners have lodged papers at the Court of Session in Edinburgh which may halt the construction of a new power station in Ayrshire, it has been reported. Action group, Communities Opposed to New Coal at Hunterston (Conch), has appealed for a judicial review of the plans for the coal-fired power station at Hunterston.
04 March 2013
MPs Call For New Nuclear Power Stations
Failure to build a new fleet of nuclear power stations in the UK could make it much more expensive to meet our climate change targets and Ministers must stop 'crossing their fingers' and urgently develop a back-up energy strategy, a report by the Energy and Climate Change Committee argues.
MPs Call For New Nuclear Power Stations
Failure to build a new fleet of nuclear power stations in the UK could make it much more expensive to meet our climate change targets and Ministers must stop 'crossing their fingers' and urgently develop a back-up energy strategy, a report by the Energy and Climate Change Committee argues.
04 February 2013
Centrica Is Not Proceeding With Nuclear Investment
In 2009, Centrica acquired a 20% interest in EDF Energy's eight operational nuclear power stations in the UK and also took an option for a 20% interest in the construction of new nuclear power stations at Hinkley Point and Sizewell. The acquisition was funded through a £2.
Centrica Is Not Proceeding With Nuclear Investment
In 2009, Centrica acquired a 20% interest in EDF Energy's eight operational nuclear power stations in the UK and also took an option for a 20% interest in the construction of new nuclear power stations at Hinkley Point and Sizewell. The acquisition was funded through a £2.
12 March 2010
Lib Dems Call For Nuclear Inquiry
New nuclear power stations should justify their existence before a public inquiry, the Liberal Democrats have said. Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, called on the Government to hold a forum into the ‘justification’ for new plants.
Lib Dems Call For Nuclear Inquiry
New nuclear power stations should justify their existence before a public inquiry, the Liberal Democrats have said. Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, called on the Government to hold a forum into the ‘justification’ for new plants.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
