"Welsh Lib Dems Submission to Energy Review: Nuclear Power Is Not The Answer"

12.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 13th Apr 2006

"We want a cleaner, greener energy system."

The Welsh Liberal Democrats made a submission to the Energy Review Consultation today telling the Government that nuclear energy was 'not the answer' to Wales' energy needs.

Commenting, Mick Bates, AM for Montgomeryshire and Welsh Lib Dem spokesman on Energy in the National Assembly for Wales, said: "Our submission to the Energy Review clearly outlines our position: we are strongly against building a new generation of nuclear power plants in Wales and the UK.

"Instead of walking us up the nuclear path, the Government should do more to encourage energy efficiency, decentralise our energy supply system, and develop renewable energy to ensure Wales has a sustainable and secure energy supply.

"The main points of our submission are:

1) Nuclear power is too expensive, too dirty, and too risky. Building a new generation of nuclear power plants would cost the taxpayer billions, create tonnes of radioactive waste, and endanger Welsh health and security.

2) Wales has fantastic renewable energy potential. The Government must do more to further the development of tidal technology, biomass, CHP, and offshore wind power.

3) Our current energy system is heavily centralised and hugely inefficient: two-thirds of the energy generated in power stations is lost to heat and transportation. The Government should decentralise our energy network and encourage microgeneration.

4) Through energy efficiency measures we could slash our energy demand by 20% by 2020. The Government needs to encourage a culture of energy efficiency across Wales and the UK by introducing targeted incentives, green taxes and effective environmental building regulations."

Lembit Öpik, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and MP for Montgomeryshire, said:

"Many people think Tony Blair's made up his mind already, and wants to buy us all a one-way ticket to a nuclear future. I hope that this isn't the case.

"Next Tuesday the Welsh Lib Dems will be part of a delegation presenting a 'Keep Wales Nuclear-Free' petition to Downing Street. The petition is sponsored by Friends of the Earth Cymru and the Centre for Alternative Technology.

"Our message to the Government is that the nuclear answer is the wrong answer for Wales. Instead we need a cleaner, greener energy supply system based on energy efficiency, microgeneration, and renewable technology."

ENDS

Notes

The Government launched the Energy Review in 2006. It is expected to publish its conclusion later this year.

On Tuesday 18th April, Lembit Opik MP and Jenny Willott MP will be part of a delegation presenting a petition to 10 Downing Street opposing the commissioning of any nuclear power stations in Wales. The delegation will present the petition to Downing Street at 10am.