Building 10 new nuclear reactors would only reduce the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions by four per cent, it was claimed at a public meeting.

Barrie Botley, of Shepway Friends of the Earth, was speaking at a meeting organised by British Energy, the owner and operator of Dungeness B, to discuss preparation for a new building.

He challenged Matt Taylor, assistant director of nuclear decommissioning and waste management at the Department for Business, over the idea that building new nuclear power stations can help fight climate change.

Mr Botley cited sustainable development commission estimates that building 10 new reactors would only reduce the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions by four per cent.

“I think it’s been grossly exaggerated,”

said Mr Botley.

“The majority of CO2 emissions come from burning oil and gas for heating and industry.”

Mr Taylor replied: “The government’s view on new nuclear is that it’s part of the mix.

“Our view is that four per cent is better than no per cent.”

The meeting also heard that used nuclear fuel from the new power plant would have to be stored on site for the station’s lifetime.

~For full story, see this week's Kentish Express.