The Government has insisted that nuclear power is integral to Britain’s future energy supplies in an energy White Paper launched last month.

The secretary of state for trade and industry, Alistair Darling, justified the government’s stance by saying that climate change and power shortages resulting from dwindling fossil fuel resources mean the UK must embark

on a nuclear power station building programme. Nevertheless, a consultation period will run to October.

The nuclear option will form one part of a diverse energy mix including indigenous coal, renewables and gas.

A separate consultation document, tackling energy efficiency and security issues, was launched alongside the White Paper. It lends further weight to the government’s proposals by revealing that without nuclear power, Britain’s carbon emissions will increase by as much as 12%.

It is expected that new stations, if approved, will be built on the sites of existing plants. The building programme will not be subsidised, with private companies taking charge of the process.

The White Paper also covers a number of other energy-related issues, including reducing the UK’s CO2 emissions, and ensuring homes are heated affordably and make a commitment to technological innovation.

Drawing on the findings of the Stern Review the White Paper makes clear that investment now will mean savings in the long run. It says: ‘Without support new energy technologies are unlikely to develop within the timescales necessary to reduce the risks of climate change.’

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Construction Manager