Reuters AlertNet Lite - INSTANT VIEW 4-Reaction to UK energy policy plans

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INSTANT VIEW 4-Reaction to UK energy policy plans

23 May 2007 16:02:35 GMT
Source: Reuters

LONDON, May 23 (Reuters) - Britain on Wednesday set out plans for a major policy shake-up to secure energy supplies and fight global warming, calling for new nuclear power plants and more renewable energy while pushing for less wastage.

The government wants a new generation of nuclear plants partly to help limit growing dependence on imported natural gas.

It hopes support for renewable energy - like offshore wind and tidal power - and cleaner use of fossil fuels, combined with better use of energy by businesses and individuals, will help keep the lights on while limiting British emissions of carbon dioxide, the gas held responsible for global warming.

COMMENTS:

PAUL GOLBY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF E.ON UK:

"The Government has recognised in this White Paper that it's five minutes to midnight and the clock's ticking as we look to replace a third of our power stations. There was also a recognition that we can't rule anything out in our race to replace those stations and that means energy efficiency and distributed generation is every bit as important as new nuclear, coal or gas-fired power stations as we look to keep the lights on while also reducing our carbon emissions."

RICHARD LAMBERT, CBI DIRECTOR-GENERAL:

"Only a combination of nuclear and renewable sources, alongside more efficient gas, coal and oil generation, can deliver the reliable energy supply we need whilst tackling carbon emissions."

TOSHIBA SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT MASAO NIWANO:

"We are already heavily involved in the early UK new build processes and are very excited about continuing to work with the UK Government and utilities to provide a long term supply of clean energy."

SCOTTISH POWER CEO JOSE LUIS DEL VALLE:

"It is a considered and comprehensive report. I am pleased to see the Government taking a serious and consultative approach to the major energy issues we face."

DOROTHY THOMPSON, CEO OF COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT DRAX.

"Coal-fired generation has an important part to play in this transition through deploying technologies, such as biomass co-firing... We are particularly delighted with the proposal to band the Renewables Obligation. We believe this will deliver a regime that is fair to all forms of renewables and one that will make an important contribution to reducing CO2."

PIERRE GADONNEIX, EDF chief executive:

"New plans for non CO2 emitting nuclear power are a necessary response, through energy diversification, to climate concerns and to the need for secure energy supplies in Europe. EDF, the world's largest nuclear power operator, is determined to put its experience and skills at the service of British projects."

JAKE ULRICH, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CENTRICA ENERGY:

"Without these badly needed incentives to reflect the higher cost of going offshore and to support greater investment in larger scale wind farms, the escalating costs of development could blow many wind farm projects right off the map."

MARTIN TEMPLE, DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION EEF:

"Government should be applauded for setting out a balanced strategy which must include nuclear if we are to address security of supply and climate change objectives. It is now vital that a firm timetable is established to remove the barriers to private sector investment in low carbon sources of energy, especially nuclear new build. Government must also continue to encourage all sectors of the economy to improve their energy efficiency and pull their weight in reducing emissions."

GREENPEACE DIRECTOR, JOHN SAUVEN:

"The Government has tinkered with its failing energy efficiency and renewables policy while indulging its nuclear obsession. If ministers go down the nuclear route they will strangle the new, clean energy technologies of the investment and political support they need. Reaching for nuclear power to fight climate change is like an obese person taking up smoking to lose weight. It's a dangerous and expensive distraction in the fight against global warming."

TOM DELAY, CEO OF THE CARBON TRUST:

"The decisions the UK takes today on energy policy will be critical if we are to meet our long term carbon reduction targets. The Energy White Paper has much in it that should be welcomed, not least the creation of a new carbon trading scheme for large companies and the redesign of the renewables obligation that should ensure that the UK's vast offshore wind resource stands a strong chance of being developed over the next 10 to 15 years.

NATIONAL GRID CHIEF EXECUTIVE STEVE HOLLIDAY:

"We fully support today's announcement that secure energy supplies and climate change can be tackled together, and we're fully committed to playing our role in that. It's clear we need to look at the big ticket items like nuclear generation and carbon capture, but new and perhaps smaller ways to reduce our carbon footprint are also vital."

ROB CORMIE, PARTNER OF CORPORATE FINANCE ENERGY GROUP AT KPMG:

"We welcome the recognition that a mix of technologies will be required to meet Britain's energy needs... However, with one third of Britain's generating capacity needing renewal over the next 25 years, there needs to be a real urgency if we are to keep the lights on and achieve carbon emission reduction targets."

TONY WARD, DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES AT ERNST & YOUNG

"If the white paper's recommendations are to be translated into real investment in a more sustainable, diverse and lower carbon generation mix, then the private sector needs to be assured that their next steps can be taken with confidence... The time for assessing options is short."

BRIAN ROBINSON, HEAD OF ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE AT THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS:

"This Government must produce a tangible framework from this document. It is down to them to deliver the results that the 2003 White Paper didn't. The 2003 White Paper (Energy) tried to please everyone but did nothing. We cannot afford for this to happen again and there must be a balanced portfolio of renewable energies in place, right now."

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Last updated:Wed May 23 16:03:35 2007