Nuclear reactors under spotlight

he government has ordered the Health and Safety Executive to assess all UK nuclear reactors, the BBC has learnt.

Experts will analyse the cost and suitability of the existing network, as well as how safe it is.

Industry leaders want to know whether more nuclear stations will be built amid fears of future energy shortages.

Environmental campaigners say the HSE study shows ministers, who launch an energy review on Monday, have already decided to create new reactors.

There is concern over the reliability of Britain's energy sources, especially after recent gas price rises.


The government is likely to say that this is not the pre-licensing of reactors that the nuclear industry has been pressing for.

Pallab Ghosh
BBC science correspondent

It is thought the HSE review - set to take 18 months - has been requested to save time if the government does give the go-ahead for new power stations.

It would enable the nuclear industry to begin work more quickly.

BBC science correspondent Pallab Ghosh said: "The government is likely to say that this is not the pre-licensing of reactors that the nuclear industry has been pressing for.

"Green groups, though, who believe that the government has already made its mind up on the issue, say that at the very least this is a major step toward pre-licensing.

"It's a process they see as paving the way for new power stations rather than one that makes sensible preparations."

As well assessing the nuclear set-up, the HSE has also been asked to analyse other technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, gas transport and storage and wind turbines.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson is launching a three-month public consultation on Monday, seeking opinions from industry, environmentalists and the public.


UK energy policy is at a crossroads

Friends of the Earth

Business officials say British firms will be less competitive if energy becomes more expensive or unreliable.

But environmental campaigners have said there is no need to build new atomic power stations when there are greener alternatives.

Tony Juniper, executive director of Friends of the Earth, said: "UK energy policy is at a crossroads. We can tackle climate change and meet our energy needs by cutting waste, harnessing the power of renewables and using fossil fuels more efficiently."

But the Engineering Employers Federation, which represents thousands of companies, said the government had to quickly decide on a coherent energy plan and had to consider all options, including nuclear power.

Director general Martin Temple said: "Energy is now right at the top of the agenda and there is no time to lose in putting in place a long-term strategy that will provide a competitive, reliable and secure supply and generate significant reduction in emissions."

The Energy Saving Trust said there was a pressing need to solve "escalating demand for energy" while still keeping the UK's carbon-emission quotas to Kyoto Protocol targets.


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