BPF Backs Dungeness Nuclear Revitalisation

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has welcomed proposals to extend the life of the Dungeness B nuclear reactor in Kent The Office of Nuclear Regulation has said it is likely to agree a relaxation of its requirements with respect to the weight of protective graphite bricks at the core of the reactor.

 

Philip Law, BPF's Director General Designate, said ' Without this move Dungeness B could risk closure with a reduction in the UK's nuclear energy generating capacity and the possibility of energy price inflation. This case points up the need for the vigorous implementation of a robust energy policy with timely replacement of the aged and vulnerable plant we have in the UK instead of the sticking plaster approach currently operating. The plastics industry is critically dependent on energy. Plastics businesses operating continuous processes are typically at key strategic positions in their respective supply chains and a loss of energy would present major logistical and contractual disruptions.'

 

BPF President, Mike Boswell, has nominated energy supply as one of the key themes for his Presidency. He said 'We have little room for manoeuvre on energy supply and the Dungeness decision will provide a breathing space. Supply continues to be vulnerable. In the past year four coal fired plants have shut down and our 14 Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors are moving towards the end of their useful life. Our gas storage facilities are very limited indeed with some 16 days capacity.We need the fast tracking of new nuclear power stations and a rapid exploitation of shale gas. We have had a spate of good news on industrial recovery but if we haven't the energy to meet rising demand our successes will be very short-lived indeed.