The go-ahead has been given for a new wave of UK nuclear power stations. Industry secretary Alistair Darling told MPs nuclear power needed to be part of the mix of energy supply for the UK over the next 40 years. The Conservatives say nuclear power should only be a “last resort”. The Liberal Democrats accuse ministers of “surrendering” to the nuclear lobby. Tony Blair says new nuclear power stations will reduce future reliance on imports and help tackle climate change. London Mayor Ken Livingstone said it was “a colossal mistake” to head down the nuclear path again. In a Commons statement on the Energy Review, Mr Darling said: “The government has concluded that new nuclear power stations could make a significant contribution to meeting our energy policy goals. It would be for the private sector to initiate, fund, construct and operate new nuclear plants and cover the costs of decommissioning and their full share of long term waste management costs.” The review also proposes that electricity companies provide 20% of energy from renewables – up from the current 15%; storing carbon dioxide in old oilfields – the UK is working with Norway to develop this; and encouraging smaller-scale electricity generators, and combined heat and power plants, to be sited close to where the power is used.
