May 2006
Blair Pushes Nuclear Option
Environmentalists have reacted with fury to Prime Minister Tony Blair's push to build a new generation of nuclear power plants, saying there are other, better ways of ensuring reliable energy supplies and combating global warming.
Blair told business leaders in London that the need to combat climate change and reduce Britain's dependence on foreign energy imports "put the replacement of nuclear power stations, a big push on renewables and a step change on energy efficiency ... back on the agenda with a vengeance."
Environmental groups - and a former Blair minister - reacted angrily to those comments, arguing Britain can meet its future energy needs and cut polluting emissions without building costly new nuclear power plants, especially since there is no conclusive solution to the problem of radioactive waste.
"To have new nuclear power is going to involve very large sums of money. If nuclear power was so great, then you would have the private sector willing to invest in it," former environment minister Elliott Morley said. "The reality is that economically the risks are great and the returns are low," he told The Guardian Wednesday.
Kate Hudson, chairwoman of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said that given the 15 years it would take a nuclear power station to come on stream, the cost of dealing with radioactive waste and the threat of terrorist attacks, it would be "irresponsible" to replace existing plants.
"The prime minister obviously made up his mind about nuclear power some time ago and certainly well before the government launched its energy review," said Stephen Tindale, director of the environmental campaign group Greenpeace.
Keith Allott, head of climate change for environmental body WWF-UK, echoed Tindale's remarks. "All the work that we have done shows that we can keep the lights on while seeing substantial reductions in our emissions without resorting to new nuclear power," he said.
A report for WWF earlier this month found the power sector could reduce emissions by 55 percent by 2025 by cutting energy waste and increasing renewable energy sources. WWF has submitted the report to the government for its review on future energy supplies, which was commissioned by Blair last year and is expected to recommend a revival of Britain's nuclear power program.
Pro Enviro offers extensive energy management services, if you want to reduce your energy spend and make a positive contribution to carbon reduction contact Nersi Salehi on 01788 538 150.
Print this page