New nuclear gets green light post-Fukushima

THE UK is set to push ahead with a new generation of nuclear power plants after a report into the Fukushima disaster in Japan found no reason to curtail their construction here.

The review by chief nuclear inspector Dr Mike Weightman examined the lessons that could be learned from the crisis at the reactor hit by a devastating earthquake of magnitude 9 and a subsequent tsunami in March.

It revealed no “fundamental weaknesses” in the regulatory or safety assessment regimes of the UK industry, although it did outline 38 areas where improvements could be made.

In a statement, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne said:“The report makes clear that the UK has one of the best nuclear safety regimes in the world, and that nuclear power can go on powering homes and businesses across the UK, as well as supporting jobs.

“We must, however, continue to improve where we can, not just with operating power stations and new sites, but by dealing with our nuclear legacy in a robust and efficient manner.”

In the written statement to MPs, Mr Huhne said the final review confirmed interim findings by Dr Weightman, which offered reassurance that new nuclear could be a part of the low-carbon energy mix in the UK. The coalition had signalled it would be pushing ahead with new nuclear power plants after the interim findings were published in May.

It has also confirmed eight sites all adjacent to existing reactors.