Support for new nuclear vital

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Support for new nuclear is vital to lights staying on

The union representing 21,000 members working in nuclear decommissioning and energy supply described today's (Thursday) government announcement on infrastructure investment as yet another missed opportunity.



On a day when Ofgem has again warned of the dangers of power blackouts due to a lack of capacity, the need to invest in new energy generation such as nuclear has never been more urgent, Prospect has warned.

Deputy General Secretary Garry Graham said: "Yesterday the Chancellor outlined the compelling economic case for infrastructure investment. Today we have the stark warnings from Ofgem about the impact on businesses and consumers if the investment in new energy generation does not take place.

"Yet the measures detailed by Treasury Minister Danny Alexander do not go far enough to boost confidence and unlock the billions of pounds of private investment needed to support future energy generation and stop Britain's lights going out.

While the actions to underpin investment in renewables are welcome, renewable energy will only ever form part of a balanced mix for the UK. Nuclear and nuclear new build will be pivotal if we are to achieve the twin goals of capacity and security of supply.

"The decision to pre-qualify EDF's Hinkley Point C project for an infrastructure guarantee is a nod in the right direction, but procrastination over the strike price is the real barrier to construction getting under way.

"Agreement on the strike price will provide a platform for the investment needed and inject confidence for those seeking to invest in an industry where the UK has an opportunity to be an international world leader."