Nuclear Energy Cannot Be Ignored, Urges Industry

By DAVID WILLIAMSON Western Mail

An urgent debate is needed on the role of nuclear energy in the Welsh economy, according to business leaders, industry and the unions. John Cridland, deputy director of the Confederation of British Industry, said it was ‘absolutely essential’ that a debate takes place about what contribution – if any – nuclear power will have in supplying Wales in the 21st century.

Economic development minister Andrew Davies has stated there is no ‘commercial case’ for more nuclear power stations in Wales, although he supports the UK Government’s neutral stance on nuclear energy. However, last night he said he welcomed a healthy debate.

Trade unions have joined the CBI in voicing concern that there is no mention of nuclear power in Energy Wales, the Assembly Government’s consultation document.

Mr Cridland, who was visiting companies in Wales yesterday, said the CBI was not pushing nuclear energy as a solution to rising oil and gas costs but ‘nuclear is part of the debate’.

Richard Roberts, energy manager at Anglesey Aluminium Metal, is concerned the company would be hit by rising prices if nuclear power in Wales came to an end.

It derives much of its energy from the Wylfa nuclear facility in North Wales, which it wants to see refurbished instead of closed in 2010.

He said, ‘As a large energy user we are looking for policies that would put a downward pressure on prices.’

The nation, he said, needed a diverse mix of energy supplies and ‘nuclear would have a part to play’.

The Institution of Civil Engineers responded to the Energy Wales paper by demanding leadership on the nuclear issue, saying, ‘Decisions about the future of the Welsh nuclear capacity must be addressed now, otherwise closure without replacement of existing assets is inevitable.

‘The institution continues to support a multi-fuel generation portfolio to avoid undue reliance on any specific fuel type.’

The Assembly Government is legally bound to promote sustainable development but claims this is spurring the development of world class expertise and technology.

At a speech to the British Wind Energy Association in Cardiff this week, Mr Davies said, ‘This vision, which is fast becoming a reality, is to make Wales a global showcase for clean energy, while maintaining the international competitiveness of our economy.’

Half of the Assembly Government’s pounds 4bn investment in energy is directed at the massive LNG projects underway in Milford Haven. One billion is funding off-shore wind power and the reminder is split between onshore projects and research into technologies such as clean coal and biomass.

Explaining why nuclear is not mentioned in Energy Wales, an Assembly Government spokesman said, ‘South Wales’ current and costly reliance on imported electricity – North Wales is a net exporter – is likely to end in the next three to four years when new gas-fired power stations – Milford Haven and Uskmouth – come on stream. Given this situation it is difficult to see the need for new nuclear build in Wales within the timeframe of the [Energy Wales] route map.’

The costs and dangers of nuclear energy also makes it an unattractive option.

Ultimate decisions are still controlled at Westminsterl. Section 36 of the Electricity Act means the Assembly Government could neither create new installations nor stop them from being built.

The TUC response to the document states, ‘Nuclear generation should not be discounted or ignored as a safe, reliable, price stable and clean form of energy in any future policy-making.

‘Underpinning all these requirements is the need for positive action to maintain and renew the nuclear skills base.

‘There are pressing needs to rebuild the extensive knowledge and expertise that has been lost from the nuclear industry in recent years as well as to replace existing skilled staff due to retire in the next few years, even if only to deal with decommissioning and management of existing radioactive waste.

‘It is all the more concern- ing that there is no mention of the source that produces around 30% of current electricity generation in Wales, namely nuclear power.

‘If we are to bridge the gap that nuclear leaves behind in 2010, then a dash for gas with increased renewables will increase our emissions and leave a generating gap.’