Posted by bex — 10 January 2008 at 5:44pm
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Our political unit has been trawling through the fine print of this morning's nuclear White Paper. Here's their initial analysis, outlining some of the more subtle ways the government has understated the real risks to the taxpayer and the lack of clarity on economics:
The
White Paper shows how nuclear companies will be able to cap their liabilities, leaving
the tax payer exposed if estimates for dealing with waste change.
It
openly admits the government will have to provide extra money if cost estimates
are wrong.
It
uses questionable financial estimates to build the nuclear economic case.
Buried in the nuclear white paper published today is a commitment by the government to bail out nuclear power if something goes wrong.
Reacting, Greenpeace executive director John Sauven said:
"After all the promises from ministers that the private sector would pay the full costs of new nuclear power stations, we find it wasn't true. Buried in the small print of their announcement is the revelation that tax payers will foot the bill if something goes wrong. Much about the government's nuclear spin has been fundamentally dishonest."
Posted by jossc — 22 August 2007 at 1:59pm
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Bad energy: inefficient centralised energy generation is a major contributor to global warming
Over the next decade, Britain needs to invest tens of billions on renewing its dilapidated energy infrastructure. Many of our current nuclear, coal and gas power stations will close, and the electricity transmission and distribution grids themselves will need replacement.
Which provides us with a once-in-a-generation chance for the government to redesign our energy market. We have the perfect opportunity to go for maximum environmental efficiency, whilst ensuring energy security and reliability of supply.
Today, the government has finally published its energy white paper. After last year's energy consultation was ruled "seriously flawed", "misleading" and "manifestly inadequate and unfair" by a High Court Judge, this white paper outlines a new energy policy - and a new nuclear consultation.
Yep, despite a few ineffectual concessions to renewables and efficiency, Tony Blair is still busily spinning the nuclear industry's line: that nuclear power is the answer to climate change. And we still think he's dangerously wrong.
In February, a High Court judge described Tony Blair’s energy review as "seriously flawed", "misleading" and "manifestly inadequate and unfair". Mr Justice Sullivan ruled in favour of Greenpeace - which had brought a judicial review - declaring the energy review process unlawful.
In February a High Court judge described Tony Blair's energy review as "seriously flawed", "misleading" and "manifestly inadequate and unfair." Mr Justice Sullivan ruled in favour of Greenpeace - which had brought a judicial review - declaring the energy review process unlawful.
As a result, the Government's 2007 Energy White Paper - intended for publication in March - was delayed. Next week a series of documents, including the White Paper, will be published.
