UK nuclear programme to continue

After the Fukushima disaster earlier in the year, many countries have taken a step back and rethought their nuclear programmes. A UK review has just announced that the country will go ahead with its programme, despite countries like Germany pulling the plug on their programme.

Dr. Mike Weightman who is the UK’s chief nuclear inspector, has reported that the disaster gives no reason for the UK to stop its programme, but that ‘continuous improvement’ must be sought. A preliminary report in May concluded that ventilation, electrical backup systems, flood protection and spent fuel rod storage should be reviewed, but the final report has found no reason to hold back on the new build programme, designed to fill the UK’s energy black hole as various fossil fuel and nuclear plants are closed without replacement.

The report did stress however that, "The detailed circumstances of the accident in Japan are not yet fully known, and some may not be possible to determine given the loss of control and of certain instrumentation."

Others however, including Minister for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne, point out the recommendations made will be taken on board and that it will help to continue Britain’s excellent nuclear safety record.