I am sure I read an article that said we dispose of other countries nuclear waste in the uk as well

 

Now that's a tricky one

First and foremost, nuclear (in it's present form) is a no-no. Any short-term gains would cost far more in the medium, never mind long term. You only have to look at the current decommissioning costs that have been conveniently switched from British Energy (note the total lack words line "Atomic" or "Nuclear" or "Radioactive" on their website) to the UK taxpayer

Whatever solution is chosen, it is very likely that some professional corporate exploitation company will try to get the contract, and bleed the taxpayer via grants and EU subsidies, so careful regulation needs to be in place.

Short term, as you mentioned earlier, LET THE PRICES RISE!!! In recent years the UK has been getting very much like the US was twenty years ago (tens of channels of TV, driving 100 yards to the shops, multiple electrical appliances running all of the time). If wasting energy cost significant money, people would soon cut back on consumption - i mean, look at some of the stupid Xmas lights on houses these days!!! Implement subsidies for OAPs and the infirmed so that they don't suffer.

Short term as well, the government should actually do positive stuff - howz about FREE loft insulation (regardless of income, means testing, council tax band etc), massively subsidised solar panels and so on. At the same time, give chavs on benefits a maximum power allowance, so they don't squander what they get for free.

Medium term, ACTUALLY IMPLEMENT some stuff, rather than faff around on initiatives. START TO BUILD the Severn Tidal Barrier, which could provide 10% of the UKs power requirement. Oh, and reinstate a decent UK-based buffer for gas supplies so that we are not at the mercy of the continent. Indeed, pass laws so that foreign countries cannot own OUR power companies!!!!!!

Longer term, in the present political climate, is difficult, because both knives and shovels are out - but short to medium should keep us busy for a few years!

mb

 

I agree. people waste fuel because its cheap. We go for fun drives on a Sunday because we can afford to even though we are wasting fuel.

I suspect that wind and water turbines just won't provide enough energy so when the gas runs out we will be forced to go nuclear no matter what the cost.

F
PS It's great, this thread. It's something really important and yet only a few are interested to post. Most can't be arsed or don't understand and would rather post an opinion on whether sN will close down or whether George best will croak it this week (is the Pope catholic!) Oh, well

 

There are energy efficient houses that can be heated by a single 100 watt bulb (which is approx the same heat generated by one human) - so potentially wind/water can cope with that aspect. Obviously hot water, cooking etc is extra, but heat exchangers can help - CUE GOVERNMENT GRANTS!!!

Agreed - although i do enjoy a Scooby blast myself, but i do try to think of the consequences

mb