Eight sites for nuclear power stations announced

The government has announced eight locations suitable for new nuclear power stations, while ruling out three others in a draft policy statement presented to Parliament.

Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex; Hartlepool; Heysham, Lancashire; Hinkley Point, Somerset; Oldbury, Gloucestershire; Sellafield, Cumbria; Sizewell, Suffolk and Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey (above) could all host new power stations in the future.

However any development is not certain, since no public subsidy is being made available and planning permission would be required. Three other sites have been ruled out as potentially hosting new nuclear power stations on environmental grounds. These are Dungeness in Kent and Braystones and Kirksanton in Cumbria.

In a blow to renewable energy – and a boost for conservationists – the proposed tidal barrage across the Severn Estuary has been abandoned as too costly and unlikely to attract private investment.

Read a full report at BBC News. ·