The UK government recently announced the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years - as an alternative to fossil fuels. But it may not necessarily deliver the promise of energy independence for some time to come.

London

The UK government has unveiled a plan for the most significant expansion of nuclear power the country has seen in the last 70 years. This decision highlights a strategic move towards utilizing nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy sources.

However, the ambitious nuclear power expansion does not guarantee immediate energy independence for the UK. While the project represents a substantial long-term investment in cleaner energy, the actual realization of energy self-sufficiency through nuclear means may take considerable time to achieve.



U.K. announces nuclear power expansion plan

An efficient, low-carbon source of power or a complex, expensive and hazardous way of guaranteeing energy security, nuclear power has both captivated and alarmed politicians. An innovation that holds the promise of a stable source of power as a way of guaranteeing demand for green, renewable energy. But on its own, it's not enough to wean countries off dependence on fossil fuels. I've announced the largest expansion to our nuclear programme in 70 years and we're being realistic about our need for oil and gas too. Nuclear power provides 15% of the UK's energy supply and has been promoted by energy supplies as a reliable source. The promise of low-carbon nuclear energy is not without its risks. Dungeness B, behind me here, was the first of its generation of nuclear power plants and it was designed to be only in use until 2008. However, it was extended until 2028, but a series of technical faults meant that it was shut down in 2021. Another issue, defuelling and decontamination, and the site will remain radioactive for 10,000 years. The two nuclear reactors being built at Hinkley Point C in the west of England are expected to provide energy for more than a fifth of British homes, but it has been beset by delays and spiralling costs. Local residents are also wary of the environmental impact. It's a very dirty process, so the fuel itself is filthy in terms of contributing to climate change and pollution before it gets anywhere near processing and ending up as the fuel for a nuclear power station. Two, one, zero. One form of atomic technology that holds much promise, nuclear fusion. Relatively inexpensive compared to nuclear fission produced in power plants, it is seen as a safer alternative as it doesn't yield long-lasting waste. 64 megajoule. But while there have been major breakthroughs in successfully generating more energy than was used to creating it, the challenge will be producing it on an industrial scale that can power the world. Sonia Gallego, Al Jazeera, Dungeness.

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