The arrival of Gordon Brown is likely to see renewed efforts at rolling out an extensive nuclear power programme. For us as Greens this is deeply depressing news. Greens have always recognised the need to plan for the end of the fossil fuel age and have continued to argue for reduction of demand, increased energy efficiency and the expansion of renewable energy. The UK has some of the best assets for developing wind and wave power in Europe. With many other sources of renewable energy available it makes more sense to focus on capturing tide and wind than build nuclear power stations with their feet in the water and their costs sky-high.
The planned new Finnish nuclear plant has been underwritten by banks to provide a “sweetheart” deal so we shouldn’t be persuaded by its apparent cost-effectiveness. Other nuclear sites across Europe have operated at reduced capacity during high temperatures whilst the water used to cool the plant can be simply too warm due to soaring global temperatures. Too many unanswered questions surround nuclear energy to allow it to be part of our future, including how sensible can it be to place nuclear power stations on the coast, what are the risks of terrorist attacks and how can we justify our actions to other Governments. Iranian government officials have often asked me why the UK has the right to go ahead with nuclear power when they are effectively denied it?
We already know that renewable energy is the future. Nuclear must now be the past.
