Nuclear not needed - report

A new independent report into the UK’s energy needs has claimed that climate change targets could be achieved without the use of nuclear power, WWF has reported. The study, titled ‘The Balance of Power’ by consultants ILEX, commissioned for WWF, finds that a combination of investment into renewables and a reduction of energy wastage could lower emissions by 55% on 1990 levels within the next 20 years.

The findings have been submitted by WWF to the Government’s ongoing Energy Review for consideration, and the group is calling on ministers to follow through on their environmentally-friendly claims by backing its recommendations.

"The much talked about 'energy gap' is simply a myth which has been perpetuated to justify the resurgence of nuclear power,” commented Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change at WWF. “This report shows that a renewed focus on reducing demand for electricity and increasing the use of renewable energy and microgeneration would make new nuclear redundant. We can not only meet energy demand without resorting to new nuclear power, but with the right measures we can reduce emissions from electricity generation too."

The report assessed future scenarios without nuclear power, and while the renewable route could save as much as 55% in emissions, the ‘business as usual’ scenario would achieve less than half of this.

"The only barrier to putting the UK on a low carbon future is political will. We have seen the environment rocket up the political agenda in the last month with opposition parties putting real pressure on the government. Tony Blair's environmental credentials rest on whether he is prepared to make the tough decisions required to really make a difference," added Mr. Allott.