Sir, It is widely acknowledged that the realisation of a sustainable energy system that can address the twin issues of climate change and global energy security is one of the most urgent tasks facing mankind. We, the undersigned, are in one form or other involved in working towards the realisation of a sustainable energy system in the UK.

The use of nuclear power is one of the options that the Government is proposing in order to address climate change and security of supply in the UK. However, we share a grave concern that in order to create the framework that will enable the building of new nuclear power stations, the Government is considering bringing in measures that could distort the energy market, or undermine the democratic process by taking decisions about the location of new power stations away from locally elected representatives.

There are widely differing views across Europe about whether nuclear power has a role to play in a future sustainable energy system. But one thing that is certain is that the realisation of a sustainable energy system cannot be achieved without addressing energy demand, and gaining public acceptance for the use of new low-carbon technologies.

In Sweden, a country that has made great leaps along the path to environmental sustainability, a referendum was held in the 1980s to determine the future of nuclear power. The public debate that took place increased awareness of energy issues dramatically across the whole country. Its impacts are still having an effect today and it is one of the key reasons why Swede are highly sensitised to the environmental impacts of energy production and use.

If we wish to reduce energy demand in all sectors and to increase the widespread use of low-carbon energy sources in the UK, engaging with the population is essential. An aware, motivated and engaged population will result in more CO2 savings being made, at less cost, more quickly and with more lasting benefits for society as a whole.

The energy review carried out by the DTI has not engaged the population, nor has it involved the widest possible consultation. If we are to succeed in motivating the UK public to play its part in reducing CO2 emissions, it is essential that the public be engaged fully in the debate about how best to secure a sustainable energy future for the UK. Decisions about the UK’s energy future that will affect ultimately every man, woman and child in the country, must not be taken in camera.

We urgently recommend that, before any government decisions are taken, a debate is held. The issue is of such widespread national and international importance that any decisions about the role of nuclear power in the UK’s long-term energy strategy should only be taken on the basis of a national referendum.

The UK has an opportunity to demonstrate how CO2 emissions can be reduced by sustainable means. Let us not take that responsibility lightly.

KEITH BOXER
Innovation Director
Manchester: Knowledge Capital
DR BILL BORDASS
Principal
William Bordass Associates
ALLAN JONES
Chief Executive Officer
London Climate Change Agency
PROFESSOR SUE ROAF
Oxford Environmental
ALEX WRIGHT
Director of Studies, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath

Sir, Mary Ann Sieghart (“Tories: we don’t want power”, June 23) claims that nuclear supplies only 3.6 per cent of the UK’s total energy. The figure is actually 8 per cent which, to put it in perspective, saves the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that would be achieved by taking half the cars off our roads.

KEITH PARKER
Chief Executive
Nuclear Industry Association

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