UK to join nuclear power forum

The UK will help develop international policy on the use of nuclear power by joining the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, Business Secretary John Hutton said.
The GNEP is part of US president George Bush's "advanced energy initiative" and seeks to develop a worldwide consensus on enabling expanded use of economical, carbon-free nuclear energy to meet growing electricity demand.
Mr Hutton, who will sign the agreement during a two-day visit to Washington, will also meet with US energy companies to discuss potential investment in new nuclear build in the UK.
"The UK shares in the vision of improved non-proliferation and nuclear waste management and recognises the real benefits of initiatives such as GNEP to implement the right solutions and further develop international standards and best practice," Mr Hutton said.
"With the UK's advanced knowledge and capabilities, particularly in nuclear waste management, GNEP opens up the potential for UK organisations to share their expertise globally through tapping into international projects and building business partnerships.
"With a new generation of nuclear energy now set to be part of the UK's future energy mix, the UK is in position to play a role in this global initiative."
The UK joins 20 other countries in the international partnership, which aims to promote responsible nuclear development while reducing volumes of waste and the risk of nuclear proliferation.
Energy companies have been asked to submit plans to build new nuclear power stations in the UK, and it is estimated that a decision to start building could be made in mid-2009.
(Source: The Press Association)