| Lib Dem science spokesman Dr Evan Harris MP speaks at NIA reception | | Print | |
|
Liberal Democrat science spokesman Dr Evan Harris MP conceded that if the development of renewable generation capacity did not progress fast enough, or if economic circumstances changed, his party would re-examine the case for nuclear power. Speaking during the Liberal Democrat conference, at a drinks reception organised by the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA), Dr Harris said he recognised that the climate change was a major problem. While he argued for a greater focus on renewable generation sources, he conceded that dealing with global warming while rejecting the nuclear option was 'difficult'. The onus was on the Liberal Democrats to put forward reasoned and reasonable alternatives, he admitted. He attacked what he called 'exaggerated scares', but pointed out that problem of nuclear waste management had yet to be resolved satisfactorily. Dr Harris went on to criticise Government 'dilly-dallying', claiming that the energy sector as a whole and the nuclear industry in particular needed a clear steer from the top. Finally, he admitted that nuclear power made a 'significant contribution' to UK energy production. Keith Parker, Chief Executive of NIA, gave a welcome and introduction at the event, declaring 'the era of cheap energy is now passed'. He drew attention to recent rises in oil and gas prices before moving on to the threat of climate change. The recent hurricanes had graphically demonstrated the vulnerability of even the most advanced societies to extreme weather, Mr Parker stated, pointing to the emerging scientific consensus that such events would increase as global warming worsened. Nuclear power was the only major UK source of virtually carbon-free generating capacity, he noted. Examining the UK's progress on limiting its carbon dioxide emissions, Keith Parker warned that 'the gains of the 1990s are now being reversed'. Then there was security of supply to consider, he observed. Imported gas could reach 80 per cent of the total used in the UK by 2020, he warned. Over the next two decades, nuclear and coal-fired power stations would be decommissioned due to age or European emissions directives, Mr Parker noted, stating that half of Britain's coal plants would close by 2015. There was, he feared, a 'crisis' in generating capacity. New nuclear build was not the sole answer to these problems, he conceded, but insisted that it had to form part of the solution, alongside clean coal, renewables and energy efficiency. He concluded by calling for a 'serious and rational debate' on the future of nuclear energy in the UK. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
