EU climate change chief casts doubt over new nuclear

One of Europe's most powerful environmental politicians has said it's unlikely new nuclear power stations will be built in Europe until after a review.


Speaking at the Europe Wind Energy Event (EWEA) 2011 in Brussels yesterday (March 17), climate action commissioner Connie Hedegaard said there must be a ‘re-assessment of risk’ following the disaster in Japan.

 

Mrs Hedegaard also told the conference in another speech that by 2050 Europe could be powered by 100% renewable energy.

She was speaking at a press conference held straight after a panel discussion on a 100% renewables vision for 2050, the discussion was marked by heated debate on the role of the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS).

While the commissioner argued the ETS’s role in contributing to the 80-95% emissions reductions targets by 2050 is ‘absolutely key’, Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) Secretary-General Steve Sawyer claimed it has not yet worked as a driver for investments in the renewables industry.

Luke Walsh

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