| Securing the long-term future of the UK energy | | | | energy, such as solar, wave and wind power. France |
| supply is a priority for the government. In order to | | | | generates almost 80% of its electricity from nuclear |
| match energy use to future CO2 emission targets | | | | energy and although there are concerns about the |
| they are also looking at alternatives to fossil fuels for | | | | safe disposal and storage of waste materials from |
| the answer. | | | | nuclear plants, they certainly do not generate |
| The reason for seeking alternative power sources | | | | anywhere near the amount of carbon emissions |
| for the UK is two-fold. First, Britain has become a net | | | | given off by traditional coal-fired power stations. In |
| importer of gas in 2004, seven years after becoming | | | | the UK, the building of two new nuclear power plants |
| a net exporter. Secondly, the majority of the power | | | | at Hinkley Point in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk is |
| that we are consuming is fossil-fuel based and | | | | already in the planning stage. |
| therefore during its consumption produces harmful | | | | Unfortunately for consumers, electricity and gas |
| greenhouse gases. | | | | prices are set to rise in the medium to long-term as |
| As a result of the Climate Change Bill published in | | | | the UK becomes more reliant on a rapidly dwindling |
| 2007, the UK is required to cut its total CO2 | | | | global supply of oil and gas. Therefore, finding real |
| emissions by 60% - compared to 1990 levels - by | | | | and affordable alternatives for energy generation in |
| 2050. Much of the energy provided to businesses and | | | | the UK is beneficial to remove the country’s |
| domestic properties in the UK is imported and is also | | | | reliance on gas and oil imports. In addition, if nuclear |
| high in carbon emissions. So, finding greener | | | | and renewable energies are adopted as alternatives |
| alternative sources of energy will not only remove | | | | to fossil fuels the government targets as laid out in |
| the UK’s reliance on imported power, it will also | | | | the Climate Change Bill are more likely to be |
| benefit the world’s climate. | | | | comfortably met. |
| Once considered unpalatable by politicians and the | | | | However, before that happens, serious objections to |
| public as a prolonged source of energy, the adoption | | | | the construction of new nuclear power plants at |
| of nuclear power is now a major part of the | | | | Hinckley Point and Sizewell must be overcome, and a |
| development strategy for UK future energy supplies, | | | | clearer and more co-ordinated national policy must be |
| along with the advancement of renewable sources of | | | | agreed. |