Next generation of nuclear reactors may be fast tracked: "David Adam, environment correspondent
Saturday January 21, 2006
The Guardian

The nuclear industry is pushing ministers to approve sweeping changes to the way atomic power stations are approved in an attempt to fast-track a new generation of reactors.

Documents obtained under freedom of information laws show that British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) wants to restrict the scope of local planning inquiries. Instead it proposes effectively discussing issues such as safety, security and environmental impact behind closed doors.

The move comes as the government is to launch a review of its energy policies on Monday, which is widely expected to recommend restarting Britain's controversial civil nuclear programme.
Next generation of nuclear reactors may be fast tracked

David Adam, environment correspondent
Saturday January 21, 2006
The Guardian

The nuclear industry is pushing ministers to approve sweeping changes to the way atomic power stations are approved in an attempt to fast-track a new generation of reactors.

Documents obtained under freedom of information laws show that British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) wants to restrict the scope of local planning inquiries. Instead it proposes effectively discussing issues such as safety, security and environmental impact behind closed doors.

The move comes as the government is to launch a review of its energy policies on Monday, which is widely expected to recommend restarting Britain's controversial civil nuclear programme.

Article continues
In the documents, BNFL warns that the only way to guarantee new power stations open on schedule is to fast-track the planning process by pre-licensing reactors before sites are selected. It says: "Investment in this phase has immense leverage over subsequent phases. For example, it should enable a public inquiry to be assured that all safety and environmental issues have been satisfactorily addressed, enabling it to focus on local issues."

Existing regulations require these issues to be discussed at local public inquiries set up into the siting of individual nuclear power stations. BNFL is worried this will cause severe delays; the public inquiry into Sizewell B in Suffolk lasted six years. The document says: "Inadequate preparation could extend the programme from 10 years to up to 16 years."

Nuclear power has risen towards the top of the political agenda as ministers and officials scramble to address an impending energy crisis. Britain's existing nuclear power stations supply about 20% of UK electricity and all but one are scheduled to close by 2023.

Prominent figures such as Sir David King, the government's chief scientific adviser, have said replacing them is the only realistic way to satisfy growing energy demand while meeting demanding greenhouse gas targets. Uncertainties about the security of future gas supplies, especially after this month's crisis in Ukraine, have also helped to convince Tony Blair and senior figures at the Department for Trade and Industry that new nuclear power stations are needed.

Anti-nuclear campaigners claimed BNFL's proposed changes to the planning and consent process would allow the nuclear industry to steamroller local opposition. Jean McSorley of Greenpeace, which obtained the documents, said: "The process would be closed to public input, which means issues that local authorities and the public would expect to be examined at a public inquiry would be dealt with behind closed doors."

Hugh Richards, head of the Welsh Anti Nuclear Alliance, said: "Pre-licensing is a trojan horse. It sounds innocent but the objective is clear. It would shield consideration of nuclear safety from public scrutiny and that is extremely worrying."

BNFL said: "We are committed to an open and transparent process. The pre-licensing process ensures that national issues are discussed at a national level and local issues discussed at a local level."

A poll carried out by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and Mori showed 54% of people would accept the building of nuclear stations if it helped to tackle climate change. But 72% said this should only be considered as a last resort.



Special report
The nuclear industry

Useful links
British Energy
Department of Trade and Industry
British Nuclear Fuels Ltd
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
Greenpeace
HSE nuclear glossary
Come Clean WMD awareness programme
UK atomic energy authority
National Radiological Protection Board
Friends of the Earth
World Nuclear Association
World Nuclear Transport Institute


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