nuclear-news

CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) oppose plans for a nuclear fusion plant in North Ayshire, on environmental and other grounds

Anti-nuclear campaigners have accused organisations supporting plans for a
nuclear fusion plant in North Ayrshire of having promoted the project with
“half truths” and warned it would be “dangerous” for the
environment.

A consortium, which includes Glasgow University and North
Ayrshire Council, is backing a prototype fusion energy plant at Ardeer,
capable of providing what they claim would be an environmentally-friendly
source of electricity. The plant would create an estimated 3,500 jobs
during construction and 1,000 jobs when the site begins operating,
according to the project’s backers.

However, Ayrshire CND argued that
fusion is a nuclear technology with radioactive risks since it requires
tritium – a radioactive isotope of hydrogen – during the process. The group
also claimed the plant would “create a considerable carbon footprint”.

Environmental groups are calling for the Ardeer peninsula to be given
special status to protect its diverse wildlife. Ayrshire CND has accused
North Ayrshire Council of committing to supporting the £222m project
without having a full council discussion. The campaign group’s Richard Leat
also questioned what the public has been told. “We are told that this is
not really a nuclear plant,” he claimed. “We are being sold this plant
with half truths.” Leat pointed to a poll by the Ardrossan Herald which
found the majority of 502 responses – 69 per cent – were against the plant.
“Furthermore, outwith the general risks from nuclear energy, the site
would require monitoring and tight security for many, many decades, which
will restrict public access to the peninsula and beach,” Leat continued.

The Ferret 7th Aug 2022 https://theferret.scot/public-half-truths-nuclear-fusion-anti-nuclear/

August 8, 2022 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | opposition to nuclear, technology, UK