Press release
Green light for new nuclear as Hitachi acquires Horizon
30 October 2012
Commenting on the Government's announcement today (30 October 2012) that Japanese technology firm Hitachi Ltd has acquired Horizon Nuclear Power - shelved by RWE and E.ON earlier this year - Friends of the Earth's Energy Campaigner Guy Shrubsole said:
"This is a risky and expensive gamble for Hitachi that other energy firms are unwilling to take - and contrary to the promises the Coalition has made, the public will end up funding it.
"Nuclear has always delivered late and over budget, and crucially it won't reduce emissions until the 2020s, when to tackle climate change, we need emissions cuts to happen straight away.
"Last night's nuclear safety alert in the face of hurricane Sandy was a stark reminder of Fukushima and how vulnerable our energy infrastructure can be.
"The Government should listen to the vast majority of the public who back renewable alternatives from our wind, sun and sea - investment in clean British energy like this is creating jobs and bringing down costs, while the price of nuclear is going up."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. Today new research shows that renewable energy is set to overtake nuclear power by 2018, and provide enough power for one in ten British homes by 2015 if current rates continue.
2. Friends of the Earth's Clean British Energy campaign, backed by Deborah Meaden, is urging the Government to listen to the public and transform our broken energy system by developing clean and affordable power from our wind, sun and water. For too long the Big Six energy companies have locked Britain into importing costly gas and coal - causing our fuel bills to rocket. Now 85 per cent of people want the Government to back UK renewable power instead. This, and cutting energy waste, will stabilise fuel bills and create new jobs.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Oct 2012
