A future for nuclear

British Energy launches Energy Review submission

British Energy has recently submitted its response to the UK Government's Energy Review. With 25% of UK electricity currently generated by nuclear power, it is already a major contributor to providing security and diversity of supply and ensuring that the UK can meet its commitments on combating global warming - but all bar one of the UK's existing nuclear power stations are due to close within the next 25 years.

British Energy strongly advocates a policy of replacing existing nuclear stations with new ones, "replace nuclear with nuclear", and outlines the market framework that will be necessary to achieve this. It highlights the need for government action, and outlines a future energy programme that would ensure both nuclear and renewable energy play their full part in delivering energy and environmental" targets in a balanced energy policy. It also details how a future nuclear programme can deliver all the environmental benefits of the UK's renewables programme, but at a third of the cost to customers. Provided key issues are addressed this "replace nuclear with nuclear" programme could be wholly financed by the private sector.

Launching the submission, British Energy's Executive Chairman, Robin Jeffrey said "We welcome the review. It is vital for Britain's future prosperity. British Energy operates modern commercial nuclear power stations in the UK and North America. Drawing on this private sector experience, we are proposing to Government a cost effective, balanced approach which can achieve the Government's environmental and security of supply priorities at sensible and stable prices." It can also open up a future for UK nuclear energy on the same sound commercial footing as we already have in North America."

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