As expected, the construction of six new nuclear power stations in the UK was one of a number of measures announced in the Government’s conclusion to its Energy Review, which took place this month.
The review also announced there will be a crackdown on power used at home with manufacturers being told to phase out standby buttons on televisions and stereos, which cost Britain £740 million a year in wasted electricity. Meanwhile, appliances such as fridges, washing machines and cookers that are not energy efficient may be withdrawn from sale. Another key proposal of the document is to build a 10-milewide tidal barrier across the River Severn. The project, which will cost £15 billion and will see water funnelled through 200 turbines, could produce as much energy as three nuclear power plants over the next 200 years. This would help increase energy produced from renewable sources from 4% to 20%, as Britain must find new sources for the 30% energy shortfall caused by the closure of coal, gas and nuclear power plants.
Trade and Industry secretary Alistair Darling outlined the proposals, which have been designed to reinforce the UK’s long-term energy policy in the face of mounting global threats posed by climate change and energy security. “We face two big challenges, climate change and the need to provide secure cleaner energy at affordable prices. We must also address our dependence on imports from the global market as North Sea oil and gas production declines,” commented Darling. “The new measures we’re bringing forward will help us save energy in our homes, in business and in our public buildings, saving carbon and saving money,” he added.
Nuclear future confirmed in review conclusion
