15 September 2005 - The decision to extend the life of Dungeness ‘B’ Nuclear Power station in Kent by ten years until 2018 risks causing a nuclear disaster, the South-East’s Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas has warned.

The ageing station, 40 years old next year, is at daily risk from flooding, severe storms – and a generic fault from its cooling system. It had been due to close in 2008.

“The decision to keep the station open for another ten years past the end of its planned life could be nothing short of a disaster,” said Dr Lucas.

“The Environment Agency acknowledges that the site is at risk from flooding – and its location makes the plant susceptible to severe storms as ‘freak’ weather events occur with increased frequency due to climate change.

“Worse, the design of Dungeness B’s cooling system has been called into question after cracks appeared in a similar system in Hartlepool, and both the site and the radioactive waste it produces are prime targets for terrorists.”

Dr Lucas, who is a member of the European Parliament’s influential Environment Committee, said the Government should be investing seriously in renewable alternatives and energy conservation as nuclear power stations close.

She said: “If we are to tackle climate change in a way which doesn’t hit the developing world hardest the UK must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90 per cent by 2050. The only way we will achieve this is by switching to safe, clean, renewable energy supplies for both transport and electricity supply.

“The alternatives are available now – the industry just needs investment. Wind and wave power could generate three times the UK’s total electricity needs, according to experts, and even locally, a proposed wind farm on Romney Marsh could would generate three-quarters of al the electricity needs of Shepway District.”

The Green MEP added: “Nuclear power is dirty, dangerous – and expensive. By delaying the closure of Dungeness B the government has demonstrated, yet again, its failure to offer global leadership on promoting safe, renewable alternatives to burning fuels.”

ENDS