10 January 2008: UK government invites new nuclear power into the energy mix

Building blocks for low carbon future outlined with publication of the Nuclear White Paper and Energy Bill

Energy companies were invited today to bring forward plans to build and operate new nuclear power stations as part of the UK’s strategy for a secure, diverse, low carbon energy mix.

The Government’s response to its nuclear consultation, in the form of a White Paper, was published alongside the Energy Bill which sets out a range of measures to address the twin challenges of tackling climate change and securing energy supplies.

Earlier press releases can be found on the Central Office of Information (COI): News Distribution Services website.

Meeting the energy challenge: a white paper on nuclear power

URN No: 08/525/A4

Energy Challenge - A White Paper on Nuclear Power cover

The Government published its Nuclear White Paper on 10 January 2008.

The White Paper set out the Government’s view that nuclear should be part of the UK’s low-carbon energy mix, that companies should have the option of building new nuclear power stations, and that the Government should take facilitative actions to enable this to happen.

Against the challenges of climate change and security of supply the Government believes that nuclear is an important part of our energy policy, alongside reducing our energy use, increasing renewables, and investing in new technologies.

The White Paper followed The Future of Nuclear Power: the role of nuclear power in a low carbon UK economy a public consultation on the future of nuclear power in the UK.

You can read the responses to the consultation by visiting the The Future of Nuclear Power consultation website.