New nuclear power stations in the UK

The Prime Minister indicated on 6 Jan 08 that a new generation of nuclear power stations will be built in the UK. He said that Britain must prepare itself for the 'new world'.

Plans to replace 14 ageing nuclear power stations, which produce about a fifth of the UK's electricity, with a generation of new ones, would make the UK one of the leading nuclear energy users.

He said that to take the decisions on energy, people will expect a strategy for safe energy at a reasonable price. They will also expect us not to be wholly dependent on importing energy from other countries.

Ben Stewart of Greenpeace made negative comments about the nuclear option but said nothing about our energy shortfall or how our future energy needs might be met.

Nuclear power is seen as a way of balancing the energy portfolio and avoiding heavier dependence on gas.

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