New Nuclear Power Plants

The government will next week issue plans for a major energy policy overhaul, opening the way for new nuclear power plants and also putting the onus on individuals in the battle against climate change. One of the expected main points of the Energy White Paper to be announced on Wednesday by Trade and Industry Minister Alistair Darling is a proposal to smooth the way for a new generation of nuclear power plants, including pre-licensing of reactor design
Reuters 17th May 2007

Scottish New Labour manifesto out today

The Scottish Labour Manifesto is out today. It says there should be a 50% renewables target for 2020; and it has good mentions of Decentralised Energy, but........

I am told that Scottish Labour will adopt an energy policy that gives consideration to all sources of energy including renewable, nuclear, gas, coal and oil and we are committed to ensuring a safe and secure supply of electricity which is sustainable and affordable. Whilst we recognise there are ongoing concerns about different sources of energy generation, we will not rule out any single energy source, as this may risk both the security of our electricity supply and thousands of jobs across Scotland. Scottish Labour will work to resolve how nuclear waste can be managed and disposed of safely.

Do we really want jobs like this?

£91bn realistic estimate of the bill for New submarine-based nuclear ballistic missile syste

Public Finance understands that the 87-strong Labour rebellion could have been bigger had the spin around costs been better assessed. Following a debate that led one minister to resign and 15 for mer ministers – including ex-home secretary Charles Clarke – to reject Blair’s policy, one senior rebel said:

‘Several floating voters in the Labour camp considered opposing the project but concluded that a £20bn top-end cost wasn’t significant for a 30-year deterrent.’

Well, how does £91bn sound? Because that might be a more realistic estimate of the bill taxpayers will foot for a new submarine-based nuclear ballistic missile system – one that some experts believe is a white elephant. Public Finance 22nd March 2007
No 2 Nuclear Power

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