WWF today (Friday 23 September) warmly welcomed confirmation by energy firm Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) that it is to pull out of a consortium planning to build nuclear power plants in the UK, in order to concentrate on renewable energy. [1]
Says a spokesperson: “The environmental group said that this decision threw plans to build new nuclear power stations in the UK into doubt as SSE’s statement reveals major concerns about the viability of new nuclear.
“WWF said that renewables and energy efficiency were a cleaner and cost-effective option and urged the other companies in the consortium, including ScottishPower’s owners Iberdrola, to also abandon their nuclear power ambitions.”
WWF Scotland’s head of Policy, Dr Dan Barlow, said: “We warmly welcome SSE’s decision to abandon its involvement in polluting and dangerous nuclear power. The statement from SSE makes plain that they have major concerns about the viability of new nuclear. This decision should send a clear warning to those backing a nuclear revival that the risk is just too great.
“We call upon those companies left in the consortium, including ScottishPower’s owners, Iberdrola, to now abandon their nuclear plans too.
“SSE’s plan to now turn their attention to non-nuclear technologies should bolster Scotland’s 100 per cent renewables ambition. We don’t see any role for new nuclear going forward. Reducing energy demand and increasing clean renewables should be the focus of our energy policy.”
Ends
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] SSE statement
http://www.sse.com/PressReleases2011/DisposalOfStakeInNugenerationLtd/
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Contact: Mandy Carter
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Website: http://www.wwfscotland.org.uk
