Views on energy solutions for future sought

GREAT BRITAIN - The controversy over the prospect of a new generation of nuclear power stations will be reignited when the government launches a consultation exercise to canvass views on how best to meet the UK's future energy needs.

Alan Johnson, trade and industry secretary, is launching the document seeking views from industry, pressure groups and the public on which forms of energy should be promoted.

The UK's energy supply has taken on a renewed sense of urgency after rises in gas prices and the country's increasing reliance on supplies from overseas. Fears have also been expressed over the security of energy supplies, forcing the government to play down concerns raised about possible power blackouts this winter.

Industry has been pressing ministers to expedite decisions on building new nuclear power stations, warning that the UK's competitiveness will be threatened if energy becomes more expensive and less reliable.

Duncan McLaren, chief executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: "UK energy policy is at a crossroads. We can tackle climate change and meet our energy needs by cutting energy waste, harnessing the power of renewables and using fossil fuels more efficiently.

"The government must set us on the path to a clean, safe and sustainable future and turn its back for once and for all on the failed, dangerous and expensive experiment of nuclear power."

While Scottish Labour signalled recently it would review its position on nuclear plants, Jack McConnell, first minister, made clear any decision would be made in Scotland. "If our ministers have to make a decision, we will make that decision on our own terms, " he said.

"There's a lot of convincing to be done yet."