Britain could face prolonged power cuts
Posted on: September 17th, 2008 by Jason Drew
According to a report, UK could face long hours of power cuts within next five years if necessary action isn’t initiated now. The main reason cited for such eventuality is that by 2020, country’s one third power generation capacity would be decommissioned and the current plans do not cater to timely substitution of this demand.
The report, commissioned by industrialist Andrew Cook and submitted by Fells Associates, raises serious doubts about efficacy of dependence on renewable energy production. It also states that new nuclear power plants would not be available in time to cater to the demand.
Candida Whitmill, who is a co-author of the report, pointed out that the ‘energy gap’ would have serious economic consequences.
The report lists out a number of reasons which will contribute to the this energy gap. They include losing 23GW of generation capacity by 2020, ageing nuclear reactors and EU’s directive to shut down oil and coal powered generating plants.
The report further states that UK government does not have a clear energy policy to tackle the energy requirement versus the generation issue. It questions government’s subsidies for renewable energy production.
John Hutton, the energy secretary has termed the report to be overstating the risks. He said that becoming energy independent was a matter of national priority. Renewable energy is the demand of 21st century economics and deserves all the support it can get. Greenpeace responded by saying that renewable energy projects are creating thousands of jobs and are helping to control climate change.
