Energy security takes precedence over climate change
Posted on: September 17th, 2008 by Samantha Donovan
A report, advising UK government to extend the period for using nuclear and coal based power plants has been dismissed as ‘overstated’ and ‘naïve’ by Energy Secretary and Greenpeace respectively.
Ian Fells is a Newcastle University’s professor and a veteran analyst of energy policy. He had urged the government in his report that installation of new coal based power plants should be continued despite climate change concerns. He pointed out that current endeavours in renewable energy power plants will create a shortfall in meeting the demand. He also said that it will create job losses running into hundreds of thousands.
Greenpeace called the report as ‘naïve’, adding that it is opposite of what the other nations and world’s scientific community have recommended. It stressed that the world is racing against time as far as climate change and carbon emissions are concerned. Going back to 20th century technology for energy requirement would be naïve. New jobs are being created by adopting green energy resources for power generation. So the issue of job losses just does not arise.
John Hutton, the energy secretary said that secure and clean energy is a top priority for UK. Future prosperity and existence depends on it. Ian Fells has understated government’s efforts in securing energy independence and overstated the fear of energy shortfall. Britain is increasing its investment in renewable by ten times. To be energy independent is a strong factor in national security. Tough decisions are required to ensure reliable energy supplies.
