THE NUCLEAR DEBATE
Half of the population of Britain are opposed to nuclear power according to a recent survey conducted by ICM research.
As government ministers look for ways to bridge the energy gap and help tackle climate change, the debate about nuclear power looks set to continue.
The controversial energy production method has been in operation in the UK for almost half a century, but with many plants due to be decommissioned in the next 20 years decisions have to be taken about its future.
Can nuclear power provide a sustainable energy supply and help us reduce carbon emissions? Tom Tibbits is the energy spokesperson for the Green Party.
In defence Martin Pearce of British Energy claims nuclear has an important contribution to make. He said: “We would be looking at maintaining the 20% we already provide plus another 5% and that would be about ten pressurised water reactors such as the type at Sizewell B.”
But there is still contention as to whether nuclear power is the clean green energy supply its purported to be. Nathan Argent a climate campaigner for Greenpeace argues: “It may be true to say that nuclear power is carbon free but the nuclear industry itself is very energy intensive. You’re taking about extraction of uranium ore and the energy intensity of building and decommissioning these reactors.”
An independent study by AE8 Technology at Torness power station analysed the carbon emissions produced from the mining process, through the operation and decommissioning phase. The results showed nuclear power is not the carbon intensive technology that campaigners claim it to be.
Martin Pearce of British Energy said: “Nuclear power came out at five grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour compared to coal which is 900 grams, gas which is about 400 grams and wind which has about 10 grams because it has a shorter lifespan. So nuclear does have carbon emissions but they are very, very low.”
Aside from carbon emissions and security of supply, nuclear power is said to be expensive and risky.
So why if we live in a democracy and half of the population are opposed to nuclear does Tony Blair look set to endorse a new programme?
Chris Huhne the Liberal Democrat shadow environment secretary believes he has the answer.
Other nuclear issues concerning the health implications, terrorism, radioactive waste disposal and the children of Chernobyl have also dogged recent debates.