Britain to go with nuclear vs fossil fuels..for new energy creation.
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Britain backs building of new nuclear power plants
Last Updated: Thursday, January 10, 2008 | 11:36 AM ET
CBC News
The British government issued a ringing endorsement for atomic energy Thursday, declaring its backing for the construction of new nuclear plants as a way to fight climate change.
Nuclear energy is "tried and tested, safe and secure" source of power, Business Secretary John Hutton told lawmakers Thursday, adding it "should have a role to play in this country's future energy mix, alongside other low-carbon sources."
The new plants would be paid for by private companies and built on the sites of existing stations, said Hutton.
Environmental groups were quick to condemn the decision, saying nuclear power is dangerous and would divert resources from developing renewable energy sources.
"We need energy efficiency, cleaner use of fossil fuels, renewables and state of the art decentralized power stations like those in Scandinavia. That's the way to defeat climate change and ensure energy security," said John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace U.K.
Thursday's announcement puts Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government firmly on the pro-nuclear side of a debate that has divided opinion in Britain and across Europe.
Britain's 23 nuclear power stations currently produce 20 per cent of its electricity, but 22 of those plants are due to close by 2023.
Hutton said he hopes the first of the new plants will be up and running "well before" 2020.
No cap will be placed on the amount of atomic energy to be generated, but Hutton said the government will be investing in the development of renewable energy sources.
The government has vowed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent from 1990 levels by 2050.
Hutton argues atomic energy is a boon both for the environment and national security.
By 2020, the country will move from producing most of its own energy to having to import much of its oil and gas. The government has warned of the risk of becoming reliant on imports from less stable parts of the world.
"Set against the challenges of climate change and security of supply, the evidence in support of new nuclear power stations is compelling," Hutton said.