WILL a flourishing nuclear energy industry combat climate change and ensure energy security? Not for the UK, according to a key committee that advises the British government.
In a strongly worded review of the pros and cons of nuclear energy released on Monday, the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) urges the prime minister, Tony Blair, to reject the nuclear option in favour of an “aggressive” expansion of energy efficiency and renewables.
The SDC conducted eight detailed studies covering safety, waste, economics and climate change. The advantages of nuclear power as a safe, low-carbon technology are outweighed by disadvantages such as uncertain…
