UK may need nuclear energy, says Blair
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, April 5, IRNA
UK-Blair-Nuclear energy
Prime Minister Tony Blair has given his clearest indication to date that he may favor building a new generation of nuclear power stations to meet Britain's future energy needs.
Speaking during his first "online question time" on Tuesday night, Blair suggested that nuclear power and renewable sources might be a workable dual fuel solution to meet the country's expected 20 percent shortfall in electricity generation.
"I have a feeling it is possible we may need both," he said in answer to live video questions on the MSN website.
He referred to the energy review launched by the government in January and suggested that Britain may also need more renewable sources.
"Looking forward, for reasons of energy security as much as for reasons of climate change, I think there is going to be a huge need to develop all of this and incidentally clean coal technology as well," the premier said.
Britain faces a shortfall in electricity generation due to the country becoming a net importer of oil and gas over the next few years and at a time when its aging nuclear power plants are being phased out.
Due to the long lead time, Blair is expected to make a decision during the current parliament whether to build a new generation of nuclear stations, but many MPs have voiced concern that the government has already agreed to give the go-ahead without a debate.
Nine members of the public were selected to put prepared questions to the prime minister on issues ranging from climate change to Africa.
But due to technical problems, only five were able to do so.
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