SNP Press Office: Concern over nuclear subsidy plans |

Monday 21st May 2012 | 16:09

SNP Press Office: Concern over nuclear subsidy plans

CONCERN OVER NUCLEAR SUBSIDY PLANS

The SNP has expressed concern that the UK Government's draft Energy Bill due to be published tomorrow (Tuesday) will include subsidies to fund new nuclear power stations at the expense of the renewables industry.

SNP Westminster Energy and Climate Change spokesperson Mike Weir MP said:

"The Energy Bill offers a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on Scotland's second-to-none renewable potential. It would be a massive betrayal if any money is diverted from this to subsidise the discredited, dangerous and expensive nuclear power industry.

"We have already had E.on and RWE withdraw from new nuclear power in the UK, recognising it was too expensive and takes too long to generate a return. Predicted costs for the proposed new stations have already risen from £9 to £14 billion. That's not to mention the spiralling costs of decommissioning old stations.

"Instead of pulling out the stops to rig the market in favour of nuclear power, the UK Government should recognise, like Germany has, that nuclear power is simply not the answer to our energy needs. The fact that E.on has decided instead to invest heavily in new offshore renewable energy eloquently demonstrates that the future lies in renewable energy to provide a clean green future and true energy security.

"The renewables energy is creating jobs and attracting investment across Scotland, already directly supporting over 11,000 jobs. The SNP Scottish Government has led the way by rejecting nuclear and setting a 100 per cent renewable target for Scotland's own electricity use. The UK government should now follow this lead and abandon plans for expensive and unsustainable nuclear expansion."

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