UK says atomic power needed to fight global warming

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain said on Tuesday it needed new nuclear power plants, more electricity from wind and waves and cuts in energy consumption to fight global warming and reduce rising dependence on imported oil and gas.

But scientists and environmentalists dismissed the conclusions of the government’s six-month review of future energy supplies as either too timid or simply misguided.

“We face two big challenges, climate change and the need to provide secure cleaner energy at affordable prices,” Trade Minister Alistair Darling told parliament.

“Our analysis suggests that, alongside other low carbon generating options, a new generation of nuclear power stations could make a contribution to reducing carbon emissions and reducing our reliance on imported energy,” he said.

Reuters