Britain faces own nuclear dilemma
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, May 16, IRNA
UK-Nuclear Program
The British government is expected to signal the tentative start of a long-delayed debate on replacing the country's ageing nuclear power stations during the Queen's speech that marks the reopening of parliament on Tuesday.
The decision is among the biggest issues confronting Prime Minister Tony Blair's government during its third term and its dilemma comes at time when it has been challenging Iran's right to have its own civilian nuclear program.
With both gas and oil supplies dwindling from the North Sea, Blair is already under pressure to make an early decision in view of the long lead time in requiring five years to gain planning permission and another five years to build new reactors.
In an interview with the Financial Times last Saturday, the new Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson indicated that a decision could come early as this year.
But the British prime minister has been keen to correct the impression that his government is poised to order a new wave of nuclear installations and instead is expected to set up an independent commission to examine the case.
He has previously said that any go-ahead would depend on the economic viability of new plants and the eternal problems of radioactive waste.
The replacement of nuclear plants, which currently supply over a quarter of the UK's electricity, is seen as a possible answer to both concerns about climate change and the UK's future energy needs.
But because of the inherent risks and safety concerns, there is also the need to gain public acceptance, especially as the building of new stations are expected to be fiercely opposed by environmental groups.
HC/2322/1432
::IRNA No.053 16/05/2005 17:26 --End
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
