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Britain approves new nuclear reactors, to Green fury
London (AFP) Jan 10, 2008 The British government approved Thursday a new generation of nuclear power stations, describing the move as "compelling" but infuriating environmentalists who are considering a legal challenge. The new stations are expected to be built by private companies without public subsidy to ensure future security of supplies and a balanced energy "mix", amid global concern over long-term oil and gas provision and cost. "Set against the challenges of climate change and security of supply, the evidence in support of new nuclear power stations is compelling", Business Secretary John Hutton told parliament in a widely-expected announcement. The move, applauded by unions and business leaders, follows calls from the pro-nuclear lobby for an early decision as most of the 19 reactors at Britain's 10 existing nuclear power stations will close by 2023. The plants provide 19 percent of Britain's electricity. Germany's E.On, France's EDF, and British Gas parent company Centrica all showed their eagerness to be involved, while the world's largest nuclear power group, French-owned Areva, said it wanted to build up to six new plants. Britain's governing Labour Party called nuclear power an "unattractive" option as late as 2003, but has rethought as energy costs soar, initiatives against climate change intensify and North Sea oil and gas stocks dwindle. It also follows an increasing global trend towards atomic power, which currently provides about 16 percent of the world's electricity. But opponents, concerned over waste and safety, question whether atomic energy can help cut carbon emissions and want greater clarity on costs, plus assurances that consumers will not have to pay for eventual decommissioning. Greenpeace last year won a legal challenge after complaining the government's consultation process was flawed. The group said it was studying closely the re-ordered consultation and had not ruled out fresh action. The group, Friends of the Earth, Britain's third party the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party all want more emphasis on sustainable or renewable energy like wind, wave and tidal power. Greenpeace executive director John Sauven said Thursday's announcement was "bad news", which would do little to meet targets for cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. London Mayor Ken Livingstone called it "the mistake of a generation" at odds with Britain's aim to be the world's first low-carbon economy and leaving a "legacy" of radioactive waste for which the government had no proper strategy. Hutton sought to address those concerns, saying nuclear power had been a "tried and tested, safe and secure form of low-carbon technology" for more than 50 years, and was more efficient and cost-effective than coal-fired stations. Safety would be the top priority but he said it would be wrong to set a target for the amount of electricity to be produced by nuclear or any other form of low-carbon energy. New plants were likely to be built on or near existing sites, he added, but failed to specify an exact number. Recent media reports here have suggested Brown is in favour of 10 new reactors. He also made no mention of cost. The Guardian newspaper last July said six reactors could cost as much as 12 billion pounds (16 billion euros, 24 billion dollars) for six plants. Hutton said the costs for developing, building, and operating the new plants -- which he hoped could be running by 2020 -- as well as disposing of nuclear waste would be met by energy companies, not the taxpayer. The government would help with reforms to the planning process to fast-track applications, he added. But new nuclear power stations in Scotland are likely to be blocked by the ruling left-of-centre Scottish National Party. Although energy policy is controlled by ministers in London, the devolved government in Edinburgh has the power to block planning applications for new plants, which the Scottish government has vowed to do. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Civil Nuclear Energy Science, Technology and News Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
Spain's PM vows to reduce country's nuclear energy dependence
Madrid (AFP) Jan 9, 2008Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero vowed Wednesday to reduce the country's dependence on nuclear power in favour of renewable sources of energy if reelected in March. |
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