Press release
Japan set to abandon nuclear power
14 September 2012
Commenting on reports today (Friday 14 September 2012) the Japanese government is set to phase out nuclear power over the next 30 years and develop an energy policy more reliant on renewables, Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:
"Fukushima reminded the world how risky nuclear power can be - Japan's landmark move sends a strong signal to other nuclear powers.
"Britain should follow suit. We've got a bounty of renewable energy at our fingertips that's already falling in cost and which, together with energy saving and smart technologies, can meet our electricity needs.
"In the months ahead the Government will decide how to power this country for the next generation while tackling climate change.
"Whatever obstacles the Chancellor throws in the way, Ed Davey must ditch costly gas and new nuclear and switch to clean British energy from our wind, sun and sea - providing thousands of new jobs."
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. This week Friends of the Earth welcomed a letter from the Committee on Climate Change to Energy Secretary Ed Davey calling for a 2030 target to cut carbon in the power sector, as part of Electricity Market Reform.
2. The environmental charity is calling on the Government to strengthen its draft Energy Bill to ensure it:
- decarbonises our electricity generation by 2030;
- introduces an Emissions Performance Standard to limit the level of pollution allowed from power stations in line with the 2030 target;
- makes our electricity system more efficient to cut energy waste;
- provides simple, straightforward support for renewable energy, to allow new companies, communities, schools and hospitals to plug into clean power.
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: Sep 2012
