Partner Article

North East responds to nuclear power

After the government’s announcement last week of its renewed dedication to nuclear power, calls went out from parties in the North East for a plant to be based in the region. Business leaders and academics expressed positive sentiments about the potential of the decision, but added words of caution.

Professor Peter Tavner, Head of Durham University’s School of Engineering, said: “The energy issues facing us, if we are to secure the UK’s long term needs, are vital. “I am delighted that we are going to exploit our substantial offshore wind resources. But energy supply is holistic and we need to consider both the supply and demand.

“Renewables, nuclear-power, coal-fired and gas-fired power must form a part of the supply side, the public debate should be about the balance. But we must pay attention to energy demand, decreasing where we can by efficiency and finding technological and regulatory methods to support this objective.”

Ross Smith, head of policy at the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) said: “Energy security is crucial to the continued success of businesses in the North East. We firmly believe that the continuation of nuclear power generation at British Energy’s Hartlepool site will play an important part in this as well as making a major contribution to the Tees Valley economy.”

Alan Hall, Director of EEF Northern, said: “We are pleased that the debate has moved on from whether we need nuclear or not and the talking has now got to stop. It is clear that nuclear power delivers significant climate change and security of supply advantages and will be an essential part of a low carbon energy environment in the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .