|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Is the government paving the way for more nuclear power stations?
by Roger Harrabin |
|
|
|
The Energy Minister Brian Wilson has confirmed to Today that the government wants to speed up the system for approving new nuclear reactors.
He says the current system which can take up to 15 years is too long. His view will delight the nuclear industry which complains that the long lead time puts nuclear at a disadvantage to other generators. But is it will dismay environmentalists who believe that the Department of Trade and Industry is trying to sweep away obstacles to nuclear new-build.
At the moment investors won't put money into new reactors but the government wants to keep the nuclear option open in the future in case it's needed to combat climate change. Nuclear does not produce gases that may influence the climate.
Today's announcement follows a document leaked to the New Scientist magazine and passed to the 大象传媒 showing that the department is hoping to get nuclear power exempted from any carbon tax and also exempted from the normal planning system. They also want to give reactors already certified in America a fast track through the safety approval process overseen by the UK Nuclear Installations Inspectorate. The inspectorate told Today that the current system was working well and they knew of no plans to change it.
The leak appears at an unfortunate time for the government which is launching its nuclear liabilities authority which will leave taxpayers with a bill of more than 拢40 billion for cleaning up old power stations.
LINKS
Please Note:
The 大象传媒 is not responsible for the content of external websites.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Dungeness Power Station
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Creys Malville power station - France
|
|
|
 |
|
Sellafield
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
