Britain's Nuclear Dream
The government has delayed a proposed nuclear power station. What choices lie ahead?
The Briefing Room · BBC Radio 4
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Show Notes
Britain faces big decisions when it comes to generating electricity - and ones we will all end up paying for. So what's the right choice?
Theresa May surprised many by one of her first acts as prime minister: delaying a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset. She says she wants more time to consider the deal before making a final decision later this year. Hinkley Point C - if it's ever built - would be the first UK nuclear power plant to be constructed in more than 20 years. But the French-built, Chinese-funded project has been beset with delays since Tony Blair first pushed for new nuclear plants in 2005. David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts outline Britain's nuclear dream, find out what went wrong along the way, detail the alternatives and try to answer the question: what should we do next?
Guests: Peter Atherton, energy analyst, Cornwall Energy Malcom Grimston visiting senior research fellow, Imperial College London Steven Thomas, professor of energy studies, Greenwich University Lisa Waters, economist, Waters Wye Associates
Producers: Joe Kent and Mike Wendling Researchers: Alex Burton and Kirsteen Knight.