| UK nuclear energy plans - roadshow begins |
| Monday, 30 July 2007 | |
| The Government's discussion with the public about the country's future energy needs has moved up a gear with an extensive programme of nationwide consultative events starting in Bristol today. Bristol is hosting one in a series of twelve regional stakeholder events being held over the summer to capture the views of green groups, energy companies, businesses, consumer groups, unions, faith groups and academics. In addition, a major deliberative exercise involving a demographically representative sample of 1,100 UK citizens will be held in September in nine cities across the UK. Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said: "Keeping the lights on for the decades ahead while also cutting carbon emissions is one of the biggest challenges of our time. The Government's Energy White Paper sets out a range of responses, including increased energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage and more renewable generation such as offshore wind farms. "The Government also believes that new nuclear power stations should be an option for energy companies in the future, but we want to consult as widely as possible on this before making a decision. "This is a big decision with consequences either way. It's critical that we listen to all the views and get it right." The consultation is running for 20 weeks in total, significantly longer than standard government consultations. The Government has commissioned a range of specialist organisations to conduct and evaluate the consultation. Despite this consultation excecise,however, it is thought that the Government is keen to give the go ahead for a new generation of nuclear reactors, which would create major workload for the UK construction industry. (Source Builder & Engineer. 30th July 2007) |
1 comment:
In the UK, one third of CO2 emissions come from power stations.
I didn’t realise the percentage from power stations were so high. I do know that there are 248 power stations in the UK. I also know that if people in the UK stopped using the stand-by’ facility on their TVs and other appliances, we could switch off 2 power stations. That is fact! Also if people switched their mobile phone chargers off once their phone was fully charged, another power station could be turned off. If we completely phase out all energy inneficient bulbs, another two power stations could close. It is so clear that there is no single big answer to combating climate change. It is apparent that the way forward is to make lots of small changes. And as this blog helps demonstrate, we can (and should) all do our bit to help.
RC
Post a Comment