UK politicians face tough choices on nuclear power

London (Platts)--17May2006

UK politicians will have to take some tough decisions on whether to build
new nuclear power stations, if the country is to avoid becoming totally
dependent on gas imports, Prime Minister Tony Blair told the British
Parliament Wednesday.
"If we are to address the energy security needs of this country in
future, of the United Kingdom including Scotland, then we have to be prepared
to take the decisions necessary to make sure that we don't end up in a
situation where we are entirely dependent on foreign imports of gas. That
would not be sensible, in my view," Blair said in response to a Scottish
member of parliament's question about his position on nuclear power.
"I do not believe that nuclear power in the sole answer; of course
renewables is important, energy efficiency is important, carbon sequestration
is important. All the measures that we are taking will assist us," Blair said.
"But I do believe we have to debate very seriously whether we need to replace
nuclear power stations to guarantee the future energy needs of this country
because otherwise we would be engaged in a collective dereliction of our
duty."
A nuclear debate has in fact already begun, after Blair told a
Confederation of British Industry dinner Tuesday evening that the UK could
become up to 90% dependent on gas imports by 2025 if it does not change its
energy policy, including possibly building new nuclear power plants. His
comments at the CBI dinner were the strongest public indication that Blair
favors the building of new nuclear power stations and were slammed by
environmental campaigners.

 

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