Switch to the Renewable Plan B for Hinkley C – fit for the 21st Century

Theresa May's Government is reviewing the Hinkley C nuclear reactor project

This expensive white elephant would hand the keys of Britain's future energy security to the Chinese and French Governments, while blocking investment and grid access for faster and cheaper renewable energy alternatives

In 2015, Molly Scott Cato MEP published 'The Power to Transform the South West', showing that SW England can provide 100% of its future energy needs solely from renewable energy resources.

In February, Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of ‘Big Six’ industry body Energy UK joined in – calling for a German-style Energiewende energy transition.

Now is the time to switch to a renewable energy future of ever-cheaper wind, solar, tidal lagoon and biomass power – creating many more jobs than Hinkley C.

The Government is committed to providing secure, affordable and clean energy, now and for the future. We need to replace our ageing infrastructure with low-carbon, reliable energy sources; and aim to do so through a mix of technologies and energy supplies, diversifying supply and reducing reliance on any one energy source. Keeping the lights on is non-negotiable.

The Government is clear that nuclear will be an important part of the future generation mix; a transition to a low carbon economy is key to our long term economic and environmental prosperity and, looking at the full costs to consumers, nuclear is both cost-competitive and low carbon. It is the only proven, large scale, low-carbon technology which provides base load supply. Currently, the UK has eight power stations which generate around 20% of electricity in the UK. Almost all of these existing power stations are due to close by 2030, and it is important we start to take action now to replace these.

Following a review of the Hinkley Point C project, the Government has decided to proceed with the first new nuclear power station for a generation, subject to a number of conditions being accepted. Hinkley Point C will kick start a new era of nuclear power - building on Britain’s strong nuclear legacy – and help ensure the UK benefits from a diverse future energy mix designed to give consumers reliable and affordable low carbon energy. It will provide 7% of Britain’s electricity needs for 60 years. UK-based businesses will benefit from more than 60% of the £18 billion value of the project, and 26,000 jobs and apprenticeships will be created.