Nuclear Power Risk
From Oman Daily Observer
By John McGarrity
Britain’s nuclear power generation future may be at risk as the list of potential operators shrinks due to concerns about the high costs of entry.
The British government wants to build around 10 nuclear power stations by 2025, which it says are necessary to keep the lights on in future decades, reduce dependence on foreign gas and meet tougher carbon targets.
But persuading potential operators to invest in nuclear generation could involve guaranteeing minimum power prices far above what cash-strapped government departments and households would be willing to pay, analysts said.
“The rewards from nuclear are likely to be far below what companies would require to justify this level of investment. The risks are enormous,” said Tom Burke, a consultant with environment and energy advisory E3G and former adviser to the government on energy policy.
