No obstacles to atomic option, says ‘nuclear neutral’ energy minister

The energy minister, Malcolm Wicks, believes there are virtually no practical obstacles to a new generation of nuclear power stations being built – although he is adamant no decision has yet been made on whether to give them the go-ahead.

He said there would not be major public spending on a costly atomic programme. Britain would stick to its liberalised and privatised market but that should be no block to nuclear power, he argued. “Some people suggest it’s all so complicated economically; it will cost so much; there are all sorts of difficulties about waste; that markets will not go anywhere near this. My judgment is they are dead wrong. A lot of major companies are very interested in investing in nuclear.”

guardian