NIA - The Nuclear Industry Association

Editorial

Monday, 24 July 2006

Philip Dewhurst, NIA Chairman

The country faces a potential crisis in electricity generation in the next decade as nuclear and coal fired power stations are retired. The development of renewables and improvements in energy efficiency that form the cornerstone of the 2003 Energy White Paper are failing to meet expectations. Dependency on gas imports for electricity generation will increase significantly, posing risks to the security and cost of energy - gas prices have doubled in recent months. Carbon dioxide emissions are rising and the Government concedes that it will fail to meet its emissions reductions targets in 2010. Yet, the Prime Minister has put tackling climate change at the top of the agenda for the UK's Presidency of the EU and the G8 this year.

Against this background, and after the General Election on 5 May, it is likely that Government - of whatever persuasion - will initiate a review of energy policy. There has already been much press speculation about "secret" Government plans for a revival of nuclear energy. But whether or not these plans exist, there will be a need for nuclear to be given serious consideration as part of any overall review because of the strategic security of supply and environmental benefits it brings.

It is crucial therefore for the industry to be calling for a review, and to be ready if and when the debate begins with a convincing case to put to Government and the public. NIA and its members need to be in the forefront of that debate.

Work is already in hand preparing the strongest possible case, and we will ensure that the messages that emerge are shared with members. By delivering those messages together we can influence the future direction of energy policy.

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