The Guardian view on Labour’s nuclear bet: big promises, but bigger questions remain unanswered | Editorial

R.The government’s decision to invest 14.2 billion pounds in nuclear energyIn addition to the existing funds, it represents a return to a large financing for nuclear energy yet Hinkeli Point CWith funding from the private sector, it was hacked, delayed and costs. It is also The decisive transformation of energy policy. The ministers have great hopes in renaissance nuclear energy. Ed Miliband, the Minister of Energy, described the possibility of a new reactor in Sizeweell C, as well as new funds to develop the reactor of integration research units, as the “Golden Age”. This was a great choice of words from the smallest sound in the cabinet.

The advice of the government’s recent climate change committee took a more restricted look at the nuclear, which Industry Drou anger. Mr. Miliband Commitment to renewed energy There is no doubt. The government made a good progress in the wind and solar energy – though cancellation From the marine wind project it was a step back. The nucleus aims to complete support for renewable energy sources and accelerate the transition away from gas. This, at least, theory, reflects the wider work party Turn through Europe. The other part of the account conducted by the ministers, including Rachel Reeves – whose administration issued this is jobs. Sizewell C is expected to employ 1000 people, including 1500 trainees.

Rolls Royce SMR He overcame the competition to become the first company in the UK in an attempt to build reactors outside the manufactured units. Although this technology is still not proven, the UK has a busy record for this type of manufacturing from what it is in the large infrastructure specified for the site. With this vote of confidence in British business, the Labor Party hopes to obtain its own batch of voters, and Take skeptical climate at the same time. But one does not have to be hostile to nuclear weapons to know that big questions are still unlawful. Assign It is the most obvious, with nuclear energy much more expensive than the wind – although the last price is high. Hinkley Point C Somerset may cost double The expected original price. It seems that the ministers are convinced that things will be better in the future, but it is difficult to know the reason.

Be lost Safety is the other two problems perennial with nuclear that often reduces. Currently, a lot of current nuclear waste is stored in the UK at Sellafield in Cumbria. But the safety risks were raised about this locationAnd it is not a permanent solution. Another issue is the relationship with defense and the way in which investment in civil nuclear plans Hidden support for the army. Another question is the role of technology companies. It seems that the initial decision to invest in small unit reactors (SMRS) coincides with Efforts to tighten artificial intelligence work. Datacentres appeared to be unlimited for energy Donald Trump To throw his weight behind the new nuclear.

In the case of climatic emergency, there is a state of nuclear energy as part of the non -carbon power system. But Al -Nawawi alone will not provide zero zero; It should be part of a wider coherent strategy that includes energy efficiency and renewable energy. The ministers, for example, must have more striking green building rules to reach zero. The conservative relaxation approach to the organization, despite their commitment with the purpose of legally binding, was shameful. What is clear is that the ministers need to explain this week’s decisions in more detail than they have so far.

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