Fast track planning as UK goes nuclear

Nov 10 2009 By Trevor Mason, The Journal

A HUGE expansion of nuclear power has been signalled by the Government as it named 10 sites, including one on Teesside and three in Cumbria, where new power stations could be built.

Three other potential candidates, including Druridge Bay in Northumberland, were excluded due to what were described as "serious impediments".

The first new plant is set to be operational by 2018 and, by 2025, nuclear electricity generation could amount to around 40% of new energy provision.

Nine of the new sites are in England, with the 10th in Anglesey, North Wales.

Energy and Climate Secretary Ed Miliband also set out an "ambitious" new policy for the transition to clean-coal generation, as well as confirming targets for generating 30% of electricity by renewable sources by 2020.

The announcements were coupled with moves aimed at speeding up planning decisions on new energy projects aimed at cutting decisions to one year.

One new power plant is proposed for Hartlepool, where the existing nuclear facility is near the end of its lifespan.

In Cumbria, plants would be sited at Sellafield, with another in nearby Braystones and and the third at Kirksanton, near Millom in the south west of the county.

The other six sites are at Heysham in Lancashire, Sizewell in Suffolk, Bradwell in Essex, Hinkley Point in Somerset, Oldbury in Gloucestershire and Wylfa in Anglesey.

Mr Miliband told the House of Commons yesterday that significantly more generating capacity was needed in the long term to meet the country’s low-carbon energy challenge, partly because of the intermittency of wind generation.

One third of future generating capacity must be given consent and built by 2025, said the minister, adding: "While there are already proposals to build more energy infrastructure, more is needed to bring about the shift to a low-carbon future."

But he warned: "No new coal plants will be given consent unless they can use carbon capture and storage. A programme of up to four projects will be funded and the demonstration plants should be in use by 2025."

Mr Miliband also said a faster planning system would save industry up to £300m a year in "unnecessary expense".

Housing and planning minister John Healey said: "Instead of major projects going through three, four or five separate applications, there is now one single consent system, with one full expert and public examination."

For the Tories, Greg Clark said Mr Miliband’s statement was a "declaration of a national emergency for our energy security", but asked: "Why did they leave it so late to act?"

He said it was right to create a fast-track planning process, but argued the final decision should be taken by a Secretary of State "responsible to this House".