Britain to Set Out Radical Energy, Planning Revamp

Britain will next week set out plans for a major policy revamp to secure energy supplies and fight global warming, calling for new nuclear power plants and also giving business and individuals vital roles.

The government will vow to rip up red tape delaying major infrastructure projects like roads, airports and power stations and promote a mix of low carbon technologies and energy sources.
“I am determined that we should not become over-dependent on more and more imported oil and gas,” Trade and Industry Minister Alastair Darling has said.

“I believe that nuclear has to be part of the energy mix along with more renewables, local energy and carbon capture from fossil fuels.”

Environmentalists fear the planning law changes will create havoc. They also reject nuclear power as open to terrorist attack and the waste is toxic for generations.

Darling will on Wednesday present parliament with an Energy White paper setting out policies from major power plants to micro-generation and energy efficiency measures.

Planet Ark