nuclear-news

Scotland’s govt opposes UK plan for nuclear power

“Our clear position against new nuclear power is supported by parliament and by the people and we will resist in the strongest possible terms any change that would see subsidies for new nuclear power in England and Wales at the expense of renewable electricity …. in Scotland.”

Salmond concerned over new UK energy plan, BBC News – 16 Dec 10, Scotland’s first minister has denounced UK government plans to help the energy industry build a new generation of nuclear power plants.Alex Salmond said the subsidies for nuclear energy in England could be at the expense of renewables in Scotland.

The comments came in response to UK Energy Secretary Chris Huhne’s plan for a new pricing regime to help the industry replace ageing power stations.

His recommendations will go out to public consultation……………

Mr Salmond said that was “deeply unwelcome”, and that the Scottish government would “resist in the strongest possible terms” what he called subsidies for nuclear in England.

The first minister wrote an open letter to energy companies and industry representatives with the Scottish government’s initial views.

He said: “With the highest renewables targets and the best energy potential in the UK, we need a framework that fully delivers all that Scotland can offer. That means better regulation and an end to amending the current inbuilt discrimination against Scotland in transmission charging.

We have used the levers available to us to create a strong and innovative framework with the best levels of support in the UK for wind, wave and tidal energy development.”Against that successful track record, change could unnecessarily risk investor confidence and could have significant ramifications for our energy industry. Scotland’s powers to target support to our unique Scottish opportunities has been key and must be maintained or enhanced.”

He added: “Our clear position against new nuclear power is supported by parliament and by the people and we will resist in the strongest possible terms any change that would see subsidies for new nuclear power in England and Wales at the expense of renewable electricity and carbon capture and storage in Scotland.”

BBC News – Salmond concerned over new UK energy plan

December 17, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, UK