UK nuclear power plans proceed

The government has said that firms interested in constructing new nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom must produce evidence showing that advantages accruing from using their reactors outweigh the potential health risks associated with nuclear energy.

While the nuclear regulatory authority will review the suitability of the four designs already submitted for the construction of the new generation of nuclear power plants the government wants set up in the UK, the firms which have submitted their designs must come up with justification proposals.

The rigorous vetting process which is estimated to go on as long as eighteen months, is necessary to meet the European Commission demand that the radioactive waste emanating from the new reactors when disposed off will not pose a hazard to other countries in the EU.

The business secretary, John Hutton, has said that the Justification Decision will be the initial major regulatory hurdle for the next generation nuclear reactors, and a key step towards the building of new nuclear power stations in Britain.

The business secretary added that new nuclear power had the capability to solve the climate change challenges and ensure that future energy supplies are met.

The government is seeking energy firms to construct a new generation of nuclear energy power plants to supplant the existing nuclear rectors which are nearing their sell-by date and most of which will be shut down in the next ten years.

General Electric, EDF, Westinghouse, Hitachi, Atomic Energy and Areva have already presented their designs.