Archived press release

Government paves way for new nuclear power but drops plans for Severn barrage

18 October 2010

Commenting on an announcement by the Department of Energy and Climate Change today dropping plans for a Severn barrage but paving the way for new nuclear power plants, Friends of the Earth's climate campaigner Simon Bullock said:

"The Coalition promised no public subsidy for nuclear power, but it appears to be going back on its word - not ruling out a cap on liability costs for nuclear operators in case of an accident is a subsidy by another name.

"The Government is also giving a green light to new gas power stations, locking us into a high-carbon economy.

"Today's new national policy statements are reckless in their disregard for tackling climate change - they seem to contain more guidance for energy developers on avoiding dust and insect infestation than on cutting carbon emissions.

"Nuclear power is not the solution to tackling climate change - it would leave us saddled with toxic waste for centuries to come and not another penny of public money should be spent on it.

"We don't need nuclear power - or new gas power stations beyond those already in the pipeline - the Government's own figures say so.

"The Coalition's top priority should be to develop renewable energy sources like wind, wave and solar that, together with tackling energy waste, will secure our energy supplies, create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and set us firmly on the path to a safer, cleaner future."

Friends of the Earth however welcomed the announcement that the Government will not be going ahead with plans for a tidal power barrage across the Severn estuary.

Friends of the Earth's South West campaigner Mike Birkin said:

"The Cardiff to Weston barrage scheme has long been a cause of concern because of its potentially enormous impact on the environment and wildlife of the Severn estuary, which the Government is legally committed to protect.

"The Government is right to give environmental concerns major weight in its decision. Add to this the enormous cost - over £30 billion - and the Cardiff-Weston barrage looks to be a dream that has finally faded."

He added:

"Wave and tidal power offer enormous potential. The Government must ensure that these industries are fully supported, and that England's south west peninsula will benefit from the thousands of new green jobs they could create."

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust