DECC decision to re-run NPS consultation leaves uncertainty over new nuclear until Spring 2011 at the earliest

The latest announcement from DECC (see yesterdays blog) to re-run the NPS consultation leaves us all uncertain over plans for new nuclear.

The announcement states that they are reviewing the "Appraisal of Sustainability" (AoS) for each of the National Policy Statements (NPSs). The nuclear NPS contains an AoS for each of the new nuclear sites as well as the sites which were previously considered and removed by DECC.

We all know that Oldbury is not a suitable site for these new generation super-sized reactors!

The AoS must also include a comparison of reasonable alternatives to the preferred policy so, for example, the AoS needs to demonstrate that it has thoroughly examined the suitability of each site as well as alternatives including alternatives to the policy of new nuclear.

Press coverage this morning suggests that the annoucement has thrown the nuclear giants into a state of flux... EDF have issued a press release today calling for various actions by Govt before the Autumn including the Justification statement to be signed. Begs the question how can they do this when so many have called for an Inquiry into the Justification and the AoSs are in question?

For some of todays press coverage see for example:
http://www.bristol.indymedia.org.uk/article/692729

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/7893508/Nuclear-industry-jitters-over-government-re-consultation.html

For EDF press release issued today see:

http://www.british-energy.com/article.php?article=315