Nuclear Reactors 'Unsafe'
Thu., October 26, 2006. 12:09.
Time to get on with renewable and safe energy from the future
Responding to Nuclear Installations Inspectorate documents publicised today, which state that cracks in the graphite cores of nuclear power stations across the UK are leading to serious safety concerns(1), Greens said that this was yet another reminder of the need for Scotland to make a 'clean break' with the technology of the past and move even more quickly towards a low-carbon and nuclear-free Scotland.
They said that if we seriously want to do something about energy security and safe energy for the future, then it was obvious that renewables and energy efficiency were the way forward. (2)
Chris Ballance MSP, Green Speaker on renewables, said: "This is another demonstration that nuclear power is a failed and high risk technology. It is too expensive, too high risk, inherently unstable and unsustainable. The money would be much better used elsewhere in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
"Building new nuclear power stations would be the worst possible decision for energy security and would be the most ineffective way to tackle climate change. The most effective way to tackle it is through energy efficiency and renewable energy. The lights are not about to go out - but we should make urgent progress on securing a low-carbon and nuclear-free electricity supply as a matter of urgency.
"Every reactor design through the decades has always been hailed as the 'best' and 'safest' - yet all have suffered these or other serious problems. From 'too cheap to meter' - we should have learnt by now that nuclear power stations are too discredited to take seriously."
Green MSP Chris Ballance in the Parliamentary Chamber today also asked Environment Minister Ross Finnie what action he would be taking following the NII report.
Chris Ballance said "Ross Finnie's statement that he is aware of this damning NII report, but proposes to take no action smacks of complacency.
"I am looking for re-assurances that the Hunterston and Torness reactors will not be operated if there is any danger of the graphite moderator cores not operating correctly. This reassurance has not yet been forthcoming.
"British Energy must be more open with the public about the current state of their reactors, and their plans for the future."
Notes
1. See:
Hinkley Point B Nuclear Power Station Safety Case information release
Level 4 meeting on Hinkley Point B / Hunterston B graphite core safety case (10/5/06) (PDF)
Level 4 meeting on Hinkley Point B / Hunterston B graphite core safety case (23/6/06) (PDF)
Hinkley Point B / Hunterston B assessment report (PDF)
Report by consulting engineer Dr John Large
2. One of the most respected energy scientists in the world, Dr Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute agrees:
He said: "Each dollar invested in energy efficiency displaces nearly seven times as much carbon dioxide as a dollar invested in nuclear power, without any nasty side effects." (Rocky Mountain Institute website)
- It's too expensive. Nuclear power has proved much more costly than projected—and more to the point, more costly than most other ways of generating or saving electricity. If utilities and governments are serious about markets, rather than propping up pet technologies at the expense of ratepayers, they should pursue the best buys first.
- Nuclear power plants are not only expensive, they're also financially extremely risky because of their long lead times, cost overruns, and open-ended liabilities.
- And of course nuclear power poses significant problems of radioactive waste disposal and the proliferation of potential nuclear weapons material.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.