6 Jun (NucNet): The security of supply and carbon reduction benefits of a programme of new nuclear power plants in the UK would far outweigh the limited potential for any health detriments, according to a formal ‘justification’ application submitted to the UK government on behalf of the country's nuclear energy industry.
The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) submitted the document with support from potential builders of new UK plants British Energy, EDF, E.ON, RWE, Vattenfall and Iberdrola.
The NIA said its assessment of the benefits of new technology such as the AP1000, ESBWR and EPR reactor designs concludes that the benefits of new build would more than make up for the limited potential for any adverse health effects.
‘Justification’ is part of the regulatory and legal process following the government’s announcement in January 2008 that nuclear energy is in the public interest and that new nuclear power plants should be developed.
The NIA called the submission “a key milestone” towards enabling nuclear energy to continue to make a valuable contribution to the UK’s energy mix.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
Industry Associations Welcome UK Energy White Paper (World Nuclear Review No. 21, 25 May 2007)
Industry Reacts To UK New-Build Announcement (World Nuclear Review No. 2, 11 January 2008)
