Nuclear is a once in a generation opportunity

摘要

It can be quite difficult to cut through the political hyperbole when it comes to new nuclear in the UK. As the government announced the agreement of a strike price this week, energy secretary Ed Davey said the investment in Hinkley was essential to allow people to keep watching television; EDF chief executive Vincent de Rivaz said the deal was "kickstarting the renaissance" of UK nuclear power; and the prime minister David Cameron said the "deal means £l6bn of investment coming into the UK and the creation of 25,000 jobs" (pages 2-3). Labour said they support new nuclear in principle, and would examine the details of the deal. But in promising to freeze energy prices if the party wins the next election, they have already shifted the terms of the debate. Consumer energy prices are now at the top of the agenda for all the main political parties, and are likely to stay there.