Nuclear power - the uncomfortable question

Cambrian News Article

Release/Rhyddhau: 12/04/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Just a few weeks ago I spoke at a public meeting hosted by CAT and Friends of the Earth at Ysgol Bro Ddyfi.  The subject matter was nuclear power.  Two words that would make any politician feel uncomfortable!

It was a great evening, with contributions from the audience.  But why is it such a big issue at the moment?

Well, currently the government in Westminster is carrying out an energy review.   The main topic for consideration is nuclear power.  More specifically whether or not we should build a new generation of nuclear power stations.   

The reason why nuclear power is being considered is quite simple.  They produce no carbon emissions.  Unlike fossil fuels nuclear plants do not emit the harmful substances that most scientists believe cause climate change. 

In 2004, nuclear power generated 19 per cent of UK electricity output. In Wales, nuclear power is estimated to contribute 30 per cent of the electricity and just over 5 per cent of total energy.  So it's fair to say that it is a big contributor to our energy needs!

In a few years time, however, Wales' last nuclear power station will close.  Wylfa, on the Isle of Anglesey is set to go off-line in 2010.  The big question is - what do we do then?  Do we build new nuclear power stations?  Or do we look at other sources.

In my opinion we should NOT build any new nuclear power stations.

Why?  Well, there are a number of reasons.  Firstly, there are many unanswered questions over waste.  It is estimated that there are currently 400 tonnes of nuclear waste stored in Wales at present - the same weight as 52 double Decker buses.  This figure will rise if we build a new nuclear power plants, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to clean up.  That's not to mention the health implications.

Secondly, there are issues over security. Terrorism has grown at an alarming rate.  If a terrorist organisation targeted a nuclear power station, the results would be too disastrous to contemplate.  

There are also issues over cost.  To build a nuclear power station costs billions. To decommission it at the end of its life span takes years and costs billions again.

So what's the alternative?

I believe we should be investing more in small scale renewable energy projects.  We should give individuals and local communities the final say in the energy they want to use.  That would have major social and economic benefits.  More importantly it would help combat climate change.

Doing the small things well is more effective that doing big things badly.  As Edmund Burke once said: "No one made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could so little".