The government’s energy review, to be announced this week, must set out a balanced long term strategy for a secure and competitive supply with all options available including nuclear, according to EEF, the manufacturers' organisation.
Commenting ahead of this week’s announcement, EEF Director General, Martin Temple, said:
"Government cannot afford to duck tough decisions on energy and must put in place a clear strategy to address our future needs that will include both renewables and nuclear at it's heart, not as a last resort. This is essential given our dwindling oil and gas reserves and increasing dependence on overseas sources."
In addition, the UK’s carbon emissions have risen in recent years, leaving the government well off its own domestic target, and urgent action is needed now if we are to meet our Kyoto commitments reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2050.
EEF’s own long term energy strategy, submitted to the government review includes a range of options which feature fossil fuels (gas and coal), renewable energy and nuclear power. It recommends a number of steps for government:
addressing planning, licensing and liabilities issues that will make a substantial difference to the rate of return required by investors in nuclear power
make a decision on the disposal of radioactive waste
exempt nuclear power from the climate change levy, given that it emits no carbon, which would sent out a powerful signal to potential investors
replace the current Renewables Obligation with a low carbon obligation in 2015 that covers all energy sources with low or zero carbon emissions
improve the effectiveness of measures to increase energy efficiency across the economy
Increase incentives to invest in new energy sources such as 'clean' coal