| Energy Choices conference hears from Dr Patrick Moore | | Print | |
|
The 2006 Energy Choices conference kicked off with a debate around Climate Change and why environmentalists should recognise nuclear’s clear role in helping to combat it. Keynote speaker Dr Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace, put the case for nuclear power while signalling a warning on the growing ‘fear’ of climate change disaster. Alongside geo-thermal technology, hydro and other renewables Dr Moore argued that nuclear has a part to play in combating climate change while providing security of supply and that environmentalists should back this. Both Daniel Grosvenor from Deloitte and Professor Keith Palmer, Rothschilds and sons followed up Dr Moore’s talk by looking at the cost of new nuclear build. The competitiveness of new nuclear build against both fossil fuels and renewables, and the need for certainty within planning, licensing and carbon pricing stood out throughout both speeches. The Global nuclear industry is ready to deliver in the UK according to three speakers from Areva, Westinghouse and AECL. Vincent Maurel stated that Areva would be ready to apply for pre-licensing for the EPR design in the UK in early 2007. The UK will benefit he said, from the lessons learnt on the Olkiluoto 3 construction which is now one and half years behind schedule, but progressing well. With the Westinghouse AP1000 design already certified by the NRC in the US and the company investing in 500 more staff per year, the global nuclear renaissance is on, according to David Powell. The AP1000, using enhanced passive safety systems and the experience of both Westinghouse and Toshiba technology, is ready to go in the UK market. Dr David Torgerson of AECL said this was also the case for the Advanced Candu Reactor. Enhancing the safety systems of the Candu 6, reducing the cost of new build and using localised supply chains will all bring benefits to any UK new nuclear build programme. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
