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In the first ever annual energy statement to parliament, the energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne said today that nuclear is “a proven baseload technology” that can be part of the country’s low-carbon future.
To help make nuclear new build possible, the government says it will set out to reform the planning process, give regulators the resources they need to complete their assessment of possible new reactor technologies by 2011, and finalise arrangements to ensure nuclear operators set aside enough money to deal with waste and decommissioning.
“In addition we are working to ensure that there is a supply chain and skills base in place to enable new nuclear to happen and to ensure the UK benefits from it,” today’s statement says.
The statement outlined the government’s intention to reduce energy demand from domestic premises, promote renewable technologies, support the carbon price, overhaul electricity pricing incentives and ask the private sector to pay for new nuclear facilities.
Mr Huhne highlighted the approaching energy gap faced by the UK as North Sea gas and oil run dry and old coal and nuclear power plants close, combined with the need to reduce emissions.
He also announced a “carbon calculator” that shows the country’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent until 2050 is achievable.
The calculator is an online tool that allows users to gauge how to achieve the necessary cuts by adjusting 34 measures of energy demand and supply, ranging from the temperature of people’s homes to nuclear power generation.
The analysis in today’s statement shows that to meet the 80 percent target there will need to be a substantial level of electrification of heating, transport and industry. It also shows electricity supply may need to double and that a growing level of variable renewable generation will increase the challenge of balancing the electricity grid.
There will still be a need for fossil fuels in the UK’s energy mix, although their precise long-term role will depend on a range of issues such as the development of carbon capture and storage.
A “do-nothing” reference scenario highlights the risks of a high carbon future. It does not meet emissions targets and would not guarantee a secure supply of electricity, leaving the UK “very vulnerable” to energy security of supply shocks.
The energy statement can be downloaded from the Department of Energy and Climate Change website:
http://www.decc.gov.uk
The carbon calculator is at:
http://2050-calculator-tool.decc.gov.uk
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
New UK Planning Process ‘Will Pave Way For Low-Carbon Technologies’ (News in Brief No. 143, 10 November 2009)
UK Energy Minister Underlines Commitment To New Build ‘Without Subsidies’ (News in Brief No. 108, 16 June 2010)
The NucNet database more than 14,000 reports published since 1991. To subscribe or ask for any further information email info@worldnuclear.org
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