7/1/2009

An announcement that energy giant RWE npower has secured grid connection and land for a new nuclear power station at Wylfa, Anglesey, has been greeted as a nuclear nightmare and a target for terrorists.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for the Environment, Mick Bates AM said it would take Wales a step closer to a toxic nuclear future that will become a lethal legacy for future generations.

"Over the past few decades the Government have dithered and delayed over action into research and development of alternative forms of energy such as tidal energy, in favour of the nuclear option,� said Mr Bates.

“ Yet nuclear power is not the answer to our energy needs. It will not bring about a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions and new nuclear power plants won't even deliver any power for over a decade.

"Nuclear is not environmentally friendly, the nuclear cycle releases CO2, uranium mining is extremely CO2 intensive and therefore a nuclear programme will not help to substantially reduce our carbon emissions.

“When fully decommissioned Wales' two nuclear power stations alone will generate enough waste to fill 60 Olympic size swimming pools. This is aside from the problems of health, the length of time taken to decommission sites and the possibility of becoming a target for terrorist attacks.

"The green jobs industry was reported to hold potential for 50,000 new jobs to be created in Scotland. Equally there is vast potential for a green industry here in Wales, which would be a huge boost to local economies which are struggling after the closure of factories across the country.

“More investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency and more support for community renewable energy schemes is the real solution to today's energy crisis, not a toxic nuclear nightmare."