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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Energy plan set to back nuclear | Energy plan set to back nuclear |
| (about 2 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 | 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." |
| A guide to nuclear power | A guide to nuclear power |
| He said the government would encourage the design of more energy efficient homes, more use of biofuels and hybrid cars, and new technology in coal and gas-fired power stations to cut emissions. | |
| His indication is, however, expected to lead to questions about where new power stations should be sited. | |
| Reports suggest ministers are planning to build eight new nuclear power plants over the next 15 years. | Reports suggest ministers are planning to build eight new nuclear power plants over the next 15 years. |
| 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. | 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. |
| 'Big mistake' | |
| 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. | 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. |
| He said: "Whether you like it or not, nuclear power is a low carbon-emitting source. | He said: "Whether you like it or not, nuclear power is a low carbon-emitting source. |
| UK'S ENERGY PRESSURES Supplies of cheap domestic gas are running lowOil and gas prices have risen dramaticallyGovernment aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% of 1990 levels by 2010Nuclear generates 20% of the UK's electricityAll but one of UK's nuclear power stations are set to close by 2023 and no more are planned | |
| "To exclude nuclear would be a big mistake." | "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. | |
| A new consultation paper will be launched, in addition to the White Paper, on Wednesday. | |
| 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. |
| But most MSPs are opposed to building new nuclear power stations, according to a Friends of the Earth survey. | |
| And First Minister Alex Salmond told the BBC: "There's absolutely no chance of us allowing a new generation of nuclear power in Scotland." | |
| 'Total honesty' | |
| Shadow trade and industry secretary, Alan Duncan, for the Conservatives, said the nuclear industry needed "total honesty" from the government so it could get a clear idea of costs to encourage investment. | |
| He also urged the government needed to "pick up the pace" on renewables. | |
| The Tories are in favour of nuclear power but oppose subsidies or price guarantees for nuclear firms. | |
| The Liberal Democrats say building more nuclear power stations would be an "expensive mistake". | |
| NUCLEAR WASTE MAPWhere waste is produced and stored around the UKEnlarge Map | |
| Writing in the Independent, the party's energy spokesman David Howarth said by promoting nuclear power, the government risks undermining early investment in future "green" technology - like carbon capture. | |
| Caroline Lucas, a Green Party Member of the European Parliament, said Britain should concentrate on being more energy efficient and funding alternative renewable energy sources. | |
| 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 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. | 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. |