Nuclear decision slammed

British Energy’s decision to extend the operating life of the Dungeness B nuclear power station, announced last week, has been criticised by green group Friends of the Earth. The plant will be used for a further ten years beyond originally planned, until 2018.

Although seen in some quarters as a carbon free solution to energy-based pollution, nuclear has been heavily slated in recent years by environmentalists over its high cost and long term waste issues.

"Squeezing a few more years out of Dungeness B does not take away from the fact that there should be no long term future for nuclear power,” said Friends of the Earth nuclear campaigner Roger Higman. “It is uneconomic, unsafe and deeply unpopular. The radioactive waste produced will remain a threat for thousands of years, and cost the tax-payer many millions of pounds to safeguard.

“What we need is a massive investment in renewable energy, clean technology and energy efficiency to help combat climate change and provide a safe, affordable and reliable way for meeting our future energy needs," added Mr. Higman.