The Hindu : International : Secret papers reveal U.K.'s N-plan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 09, 2005

International

International

Secret papers reveal U.K.'s N-plan

LONDON: The British government's strategy to kick-start a huge nuclear power station building programme is revealed in confidential government documents. In a 46-paragraph briefing note for incoming ministers, Joan MacNaughton, director-general of energy policy at the new Department of Productivity, Energy and Industry, warns that key policy targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and boost green energy are likely to fail, and that decisions on new nuclear power stations must be taken urgently. It advises that "it is generally easier to push ahead on controversial issues early in a new Parliament." The document points to the key role new nuclear power stations, which do not emit carbon dioxide, would play in tackling carbon emissions. It states: "We now have 12 nuclear stations providing 20 per cent of our electricity carbon-free. By 2020 this will fall to three stations and 7 per cent as stations are retired." It also points to the increased risk of an electricity supply shortage after 2008, when a number of nuclear plants are due to close, and warns of a growing reliance on imported gas supplies.

- Guardian Newspapers Limited 2005

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Putin's grandma, brother died in World War II

Armymen behind attempt on Musharraf, says Minister

Labour MPs want Blair to quit

Putin calls for CIS unity

Sunni nominee declines post

Woman who held Hitler secret

Close shave on Mount Everest

Death ends feud of Kabul's last Jews

Afghan women urged to contest polls

Secret papers reveal U.K.'s N-plan

India to push for U.N. democratisation