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Government Launches Second Energy Review
26 July 2001
PM's office sidelined as DTI struggles to bring back nuclear
Friends of the Earth reacted with surprise and dismay today as the Government launched a second energy review running in parallel with one announced by the Prime Minister only last month.
The DTI today announced that an “Energy Security of Supply Working Group”,chaired by Energy Minister Brian Wilson, will look at the risk to Britain's future gas and electricity supplies. The new group will repeat much of the work already underway in the Cabinet Office's Performance and Innovation Unit.
Friends of the Earth strongly suspect this is a clear attempt to build the case for a new UK nuclear power programme by the back door.
Mark Johnston, Energy Campaigner said:
“A second energy review makes no sense at all. Why repeat the work the Cabinet Office is already doing very well? It looks very much like the old guard at the DTI has been panicked by the fresh thinking at the Cabinet Office and are now worried there will be no come back for nuclear power. The Prime Minister needs to explain why the Cabinet Office Energy Review is being undermined by the vested interests of the nuclear lobby.
NOTE:
Two years ago through state-owned BNFL, the DTI approved the purchase of the Westinghouse Corporation, the biggest nuclear reactor design and build company in the world. However BNFL/Westinghouse has a steeply declining market, no new major orders, and no effective plans to diversify. FOE believes it is counting on its influence with the DTI and Downing Street so a framework that enables new nuclear build will emerge.
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
