Nuclear 'cuckoo' threatens renewables- Bruce

5.23.48pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 23rd May 2007

Nuclear energy has been considered under the Government's energy white paper

Commenting on the Government's Energy White Paper published today, Gordon MP, Malcolm Bruce is warning the Government that manipulating the market in favour of nuclear power could undermine the development of alternative, renewable technologies.

The Liberal Democrat MP said:  

"Nuclear power is an extremely expensive technology with a legacy of environmental problems and security threats. The Government's intention to build a new generation of nuclear power stations is seriously misplaced and will hinder the development of cleaner renewable technologies.

"Nuclear power has been given massive support and failed to fulfil its early promise. We are left with a huge multi billion pound legacy of decommissioning and it could once again become a cuckoo in the nest that squeezes out investment in other energy sectors

"Scotland is well positioned to take the lead on in a whole range of renewable technologies such as wind and wave power, carbon capture, solar, hydrogen, combined heat and power (CHP) and biofuels. These new technologies combined with greater energy efficiency have the capacity to deliver clean energy generation for Scotland's needs."

Speaking on the oil and gas industry, Mr Bruce added:

"I am calling on the Government to review its commitment to the oil and tax regime in order to allow oil and gas to maximise its long term supply from UK sources.

"The Prime Minster, who has given succour to President Putin now acknowledges that Russia will use its energy resources for political ends. The best way to respond to that is not to build new nuclear stations but to ensure we maximize the still large potential of our own UK resources and develop the widest range of alternative technologies."