Energy plan sparks nuclear debate

The publication of the government's Energy White Paper has sparked a fresh debate over the use of nuclear power.

The government's Energy White Paper was due to be published in March, but it was delayed and another consultation process had to be started following a legal challenge by environmental campaign group Greenpeace.

The paper proposes a large investment in renewable energy and suggests that there should be a mix of energy. Prime Minister Tony Blair said that nuclear power had to be on the agenda.

In an article in 'The Times' on Wednesday, Mr Blair said: "Nuclear power accounts for about a fifth of our electricity, yet most of our nuclear power stations are due to close over the next 15 years or so. It is right that we consider how nuclear power can help to underpin the security of our energy supply without increasing our reliance on fossil fuels.

"We can meet our carbon dioxide emissions targets, but only if we are willing to think ahead and take tough decisions over new wind farms - and give serious consideration to nuclear power."

'The Times' also reported that work has already begun to license the building of new nuclear power stations.

Chancellor Gordon Brown, who will take over as prime minister in June, is also thought to be in favour of building more nuclear power stations.

Launching the White Paper, Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said: "We face two big challenges - climate change and maintaining stable and affordable energy supply in an increasingly unstable world. The Energy White Paper sets out a long term framework for action to address these challenges at home and abroad."

Mr Darling said that the UK was becoming "increasingly dependent" on imported oil and gas and with a third of the current electricity generation capacity due to close in the next twenty years, there was also a pressing need for investment in new low carbon sources.

Mr Darling said that by 2015, the amount of electricity generated from renewables would have tripled.

He also said that the government wanted to lead in the development of carbon capture and storage and would also consult on the role that new nuclear power stations would play in cutting emissions and diversifiying supply.

The consultation will run until October 10.

The proposals also includes plans to encourage energy suppliers to help home owners use less gas and electricity and the introduction of a cap and trade 'Carbon Reduction Commitment' for large commercial organisations such as banks, supermarkets and large local authorities.

However, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said that the government should invest in wave, wind and tidal power and clean coal technology, which he said would give Britain a "secure non-nuclear future".

Sir Menzies said: "Why is that the Prime Minister is so committed to the idea of nuclear power in a way which suggests he disregards the issue of risk and coast and toxic waste. Where is the investment in wave, wind and tidal power and clean coal technology that would give us a secure non-nuclear future?"

(KMcA/SP)