The Government today gave to Parliament its finalised energy National Policy Statements.
Following a public consultation earlier this year which dealt with over two and a half thousand responses, the Government have proposed 33GW of new renewable energy capacity. The Nuclear NPS lists eight sites across the country suitable for new nuclear power stations by 2025.
Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy said the policies would transform the UK: “Around a quarter of the UK’s generating capacity is due to close by the end of this decade. We need to replace this with secure, low carbon, affordable energy. This will require over £100billion worth of investment in electricity generation alone.
“Industry needs as much certainty as possible to make such big investments. These plans set out our energy need to help guide the planning process, so that if acceptable proposals come forward in appropriate places, they will not face unnecessary hold-ups.
Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark said the moves would be good for the UK economy: “Major infrastructure projects provide a real growth opportunity for this country, will bring billions of pounds of investment and create the bedrock businesses need to thrive in the 21st century.”
Mr Hendry added: “The Coalition Government is determined to make the UK a truly attractive market for investors, to give us secure, affordable, low-carbon energy. These National Policy Statements are an important milestone.”
The Nuclear National Policy Statement lists the following sites as potentially suitable for the deployment of new nuclear power stations by 2025: Bradwell, Essex; Hartlepool, Borough of Hartlepool; Heysham, Lancashire; Hinkley Point, Somerset; Oldbury, South Glos.; Sellafield, Cumbria; Sizewell, Suffolk; Wylfa, Isle of Anglesey.