No surprises in the Government’s White Paper which put new nuclear generation at the forefront of the Government's plans to increase security of supply , reduce dependance on imported gas and tackle carbon emissions. The Trade and Industry secretary Alastair Darling told parliament that the government had reached a “preliminary view that it would be in the public interest to allow energy companies to invest in nuclear power”.

Streamlined planning rules announced earlier in the week will enable construction to be fast tracked but given long lead times, new plant is unlikely to make a significant contribution until 2020. It is because of these lead times, and because all but 1 of the existing nuclear plants are due to be decommissioned by 2024, that the Government has said it needs to make a decision this year. The consultation process will end in October when a final decision will be made.

Other key points in the White Paper which sets out energy strategy for the next 40 years include:

• Free “real time” electricity consumption meters;
• “Cap and trade” emissions trading scheme for businesses and public bodies;
• Triple the amount of renewable generation by 2015; and
• Encourage UK coal mining where economic and environmentally viable