Plans to fast-track new nuclear power stations

Plans to fast-track a new generation of nuclear power stations are set to be unveiled by the Government, it was reported today.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband will tomorrow announce a series of national policy statements analysing 11 sites for power stations and raising many more potential locations, it was reported in the Sunday Telegraph.

Under changes to the planning laws, the Infrastructure Planning Commission will be able to speed through the proposals for new schemes in a year if it decides they fit in with the policy statements.

Alongside nuclear power, the Government will also issue policy statements on renewables, fossil fuels, gas and infrastructure

The rapid pace of approval for new nuclear sites would contrast with examples such as the six-year struggle to steer the Sizewell B power station through the planning process.

It would also encourage foreign entrants such as E.ON, RWE npower and EDF, which bought nuclear power firm British Energy last year with the aim of being a major player in producing a new fleet of UK power stations.

Most of the sites under consideration have a strong nuclear heritage, including Dungeness in Kent, Hinkley Point in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk.

Mr Miliband told the Labour conference in September that the "challenge of climate change is too big to reject nuclear".

He added: "That's why we're right to reform planning laws including for nuclear power and press ahead with plans for new nuclear power."