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Energy plan set to back nuclear Energy plan set to back nuclear
(about 4 hours later)
Tony Blair has reiterated his backing for nuclear power as the government prepares to unveil its energy strategy.Tony Blair has reiterated his backing for nuclear power as the government prepares to unveil its energy strategy.
Plans to build more nuclear power stations are expected to be among the proposals in the Energy White Paper.Plans to build more nuclear power stations are expected to be among the proposals in the Energy White Paper.
An expansion of energy efficiency and renewable sources such as tide and wind power will also be detailed.An expansion of energy efficiency and renewable sources such as tide and wind power will also be detailed.
The PM says nuclear power can "underpin the security of our energy supply" but opponents say it is dangerous and will reduce investment in renewable sources.The PM says nuclear power can "underpin the security of our energy supply" but opponents say it is dangerous and will reduce investment in renewable sources.
Writing in the Times, Mr Blair said there was a need for more renewable energy, as well as nuclear, in order to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.Writing in the Times, Mr Blair said there was a need for more renewable energy, as well as nuclear, in order to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
Low carbon
"It is right that we consider how nuclear power can help to underpin the security of our energy supply without increasing our reliance on fossil fuels," he said."It is right that we consider how nuclear power can help to underpin the security of our energy supply without increasing our reliance on fossil fuels," he said.
"We can meet our carbon dioxide emissions targets, but only if we are willing to think ahead and take tough decisions over new wind farms - and give serious consideration to nuclear power.""We can meet our carbon dioxide emissions targets, but only if we are willing to think ahead and take tough decisions over new wind farms - and give serious consideration to nuclear power."
His indication is, however, expected to lead to questions about where new power stations should be sited.His indication is, however, expected to lead to questions about where new power stations should be sited.
Nuclear base class="" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/guides/456900/456932/html/nn1page1.stm">A guide to nuclear power
Reports suggest ministers are planning to build eight new atomic plants over the next 15 years. Reports suggest ministers are planning to build eight new nuclear power plants over the next 15 years.
But Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling told the BBC this week that he did not "have a firm number in my mind". Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling told the BBC's Today programme that he had been sceptical about nuclear power when he first came into his job.
"The trouble with renewables is they're very good in providing you with low-carbon electricity generation, but of course on very hot days or very cold days, if the wind doesn't blow, then you would have a big problem," he said. But he had become convinced that it was essential both to reduce carbon emissions and ensure the UK was not dependent on unstable regimes for its energy supplies.
"That's where nuclear has provided a base load of electricity for many years now." He said: "Whether you like it or not, nuclear power is a low carbon-emitting source.
The White Paper was originally due to be published in March, but the government was told to consult again after a legal challenge by environmental campaign group Greenpeace. "To exclude nuclear would be a big mistake."
The White Paper was originally due to be published in March, but the government was told to consult again after a legal challenge by environmental campaign group Greenpeace. That consultation continues.
Mr Blair told MPs in January: "It is extremely important that we as a country make sure our energy supply is secure for the long term - that, in my view, needs a diverse supply of energy".Mr Blair told MPs in January: "It is extremely important that we as a country make sure our energy supply is secure for the long term - that, in my view, needs a diverse supply of energy".
Chancellor Gordon Brown - who will take over as prime minister in June - is also thought to back building more nuclear power stations.Chancellor Gordon Brown - who will take over as prime minister in June - is also thought to back building more nuclear power stations.
Planning processPlanning process
Caroline Lucas, a Green Party Member of the European Parliament, said: "We should concentrate on reducing energy demand through conservation and energy-efficiency measures, and financially supporting the development of alternative renewable energy generation capacity."Caroline Lucas, a Green Party Member of the European Parliament, said: "We should concentrate on reducing energy demand through conservation and energy-efficiency measures, and financially supporting the development of alternative renewable energy generation capacity."
Planning for power stations got a boost on Monday when the Planning White Paper proposed establishing a separate - and quicker - planning system for major infrastructure projects.Planning for power stations got a boost on Monday when the Planning White Paper proposed establishing a separate - and quicker - planning system for major infrastructure projects.
An independent planning commission will oversee the process, replacing time-consuming inquiries. An independent planning commission will be told by the government what the UK needs in terms of power stations and will then oversee the planning applications for them in specific locations.
The Conservatives say this will "dump developments on local communities".The Conservatives say this will "dump developments on local communities".
Susan Kramer, Liberal Democrat trade and industry spokeswoman, said building more nuclear power stations would be an "expensive mistake".
But the government insists the commission will take into account the impact of projects on the surrounding environment.But the government insists the commission will take into account the impact of projects on the surrounding environment.