Keep Nuclear as UK Power House

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The Prime Minister has announced the terms of reference for the forthcoming energy review. The announcement provides a welcome opportunity to reassess the UK's future energy policy. Since the last energy review and subsequent White Paper, gas prices have reached unprecedented levels, the price of electricity has doubled and carbon dioxide emissions have continued to rise. Keith Parker, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, commented: "We are encouraged that the review is expected to be concluded by mid 2006 because the 30% generation shortfall highlighted by the Prime Minister requires urgent attention. Nuclear power provides reliable, large scale electricity generation at stable prices and should continue to form part of the nation's solution to problems of energy security and climate change. It is essential that the review clearly examines all forms of electricity generation on their costs and their social, industrial and environmental benefits. All forms of low carbon energy production are likely to be needed to meet growing demand, and diversity of supply will provide further security to the nation's supplies." In summary the terms of reference for the review are: The Government will review the UK's progress against the medium and long-term Energy White Paper goals and the options for further steps to achieve them. The aim will be to bring forward proposals on energy policy next year. The Review will be informed by analysis and options drawn up by a Review team led by the Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks. This will be a team of officials drawn from key relevant departments and the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit. In drawing up the analysis and options, the Energy Minister will undertake extensive public and stakeholder consultation. The Review will be taken forward in the context of the Government's commitment to sound public finances and will take account of all short-term, medium-term and long term costs and liabilities both to the taxpayer and energy user. The Review team will report to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in early summer.

 

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