ANGLO-FRENCH NUCLEAR DEAL DERAILED

Rapport publié le 21/08/08 6:35 dans Environnement par Cathal Ó Luain pour Cathal Ó Luain

Nuclear Power - Anglo French style!

A deal between the United Kingdom and French governments to construct a new series of nuclear power plant which the Celtic League termed an 'UNHOLY ENTENTE ATOMIQUE' just months ago has fallen through.

French firm EDF was to buy British Energy which operate a range of existing nuclear plants across Britain. The unwritten small print in the contract was that these sites could then be used to develop a new series of nuclear power stations. Several sites around the Irish Sea including the accident prone Wylfa plant on Anglesey would have featured in the deal. The existing Wylfa plant is due to close in 2010 and the site is a prime contender for any nuclear new build.

Whilst the collapse of the EDF - British Energy deal has left the UK Labour governments nuclear new build strategy in disarray it would be unwise of those opposed to new nuclear plants to drop their guard.

Another consortium are believed to be interested in the Wylfa site due to the lucrative business opportunities not just from developing the site but from decommissioning the existing plant.

Public tolerance in the United Kingdom towards a new generation of nuclear plants will also probably improve due to soaring energy costs. Also, as we revealed recently, the UK is set to gerrymander existing planning laws to fast-track approval for new nuclear plants.

There is a need for those who recognise the continuing danger and pollution risks from nuclear power to step up their opposition to nuclear new-build.