Representation by Ivor Eisenstadt
- Date submitted
- 28 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
In mid-2019, new wind and solar generators competed efficiently against even existing nuclear power plants in cost terms and grew generating capacity faster than any other power type, the annual World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR) showed. “Stabilizing the climate is urgent, nuclear power is slow,” said Mycle Schneider, lead author of the report. “It meets no technical or operational need that low-carbon competitors cannot meet better, cheaper and faster.” The case for nuclear power is now shaky at best and to commit the UK to such a long term, economically dubious and environmentally damaging project such as Sizewell C is unjustifiable, especially now that the UK has the additional borrowing burden as a result of COVID-19. Can we really afford to commit to a solution that is increasingly expensive relative to other means of energy production? Additionally, to commit to placing the power plant at Sizewell is environmentally damaging and foolish. It is surrounded by designated sites of international and national ecological importance and will require the acquisition and destruction of areas which are inside the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). Furthermore, climate change forecasts by the Environment Agency predict that Sizewell will be an island in a century: it will still, by then, be storing lethal spent nuclear fuel as well as operational and decommissioned nuclear reactors. The decision to go ahead with Sizewell C should be based on what is the right energy solution for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. Can you really say that it is the right way forward when it is increasingly expensive relative to other forms of energy production, it will leave a long term potential safety risk and it will detrimentally affect an area that is of outstanding natural beauty, home to many vulnerable and scarce species, and a place loved by many? The world is changing, our natural environment is becoming central to our quality of life, mental wellbeing and our ultimate happiness. Please think long and hard about whether these are important to you, your children and their children. Future generations will judge you on the decision you make. Thank you.