Sir, Professor Ian Fells’s call for a greater UK role for nuclear electricity (report, September 14) comes like a breath of fresh air. It has long seemed to me that the seriousness of the energy situation in this country is not receiving the public scrutiny it deserves. What is needed is a general discussion of all aspects of the options available and consideration of whether the actions being taken are adequate to our needs and geopolitical situation.

Governmental opinion will always be influenced by electoral considerations, hence the popularity in Whitehall of renewable wind and wave power and the reluctance to give serious consideration to nuclear energy, which has, unfairly, a less acceptable image.

We have grown accustomed to relatively cheap energy in the UK but the greatly diminished local supplies of coal, oil and gas increasingly place us at the mercy of greater costs and uncertainty of supply. Energy needs and energy supply are calculable quantities of which Professor Fells has had a lifetime’s experience. His views merit very serious and urgent consideration.

Yours faithfully,
ROBERT BLACKBURN,
(Lecturer in radiochemistry, 1967-2003),
5 Millgate, Egerton, Bolton BL7 9UD.
bob__blackburn2001@hotmail.com
September 14.

From the Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust

Sir, To present nuclear power as one of the main ways of combating climate change is short-sighted. While it is absolutely necessary that scientists, government departments and experts continue to look for ways to slow global warming, nuclear power simply does not represent a viable option at present.

Given the costs associated with nuclear power and current uncertainties surrounding the problems of dealing with nuclear waste, making the UK more energy efficient is a far safer, cheaper and more realistic solution, as outlined in last year’s energy White Paper. Household energy use and road transport account for more than half of the UK’s carbon emissions, but the average household could reduce its energy use by one third through simple energy-efficiency measures.

This is action that can be taken immediately, whereas the construction of new nuclear reactors would cost the UK billions and take several years to deliver any carbon savings. Government must take the lead, for example by making its own estate energy-efficient. If in recent years the Government had given energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies substantial financial support, the UK would already be significantly closer to reaching our carbon-reduction targets.

Yours faithfully,
PHILIP SELLWOOD,
Chief Executive,
Energy Saving Trust,
21 Dartmouth Street, SW1H 9BP.
September 14.

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