Government consultation on a new nuclear power station in Hartlepool

At the moment the UK has 23 nuclear reactors on 9 sites which generate about a fifth of the UK 's electricity.  Seven of these power stations including the one in Hartlepool are due to be closed by 2020.  The Government has announced the intention to build a number of new nuclear power stations in order to meet the shortfall these closures cause and to meet the increased demand for energy.

The Government is now consulting the public on the matter and as it has nominated a site in Hartlepool as a suitable location for a new nuclear power station by the end of 2025 we would like to know what you think.  Further details can be found at
http://data.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk/documents/npss/EN-6.pdf

The Government's consultation period is up until 22 February 2010 and Hartlepool Borough Council has expressed its intention to encourage a full and open debate on the subject that could help inform the Council's position on the nuclear power proposals for Hartlepool .  The Council will be making a response to the consultation and all comments received via (this website/this questionnaire) will be taken into account when its response is being prepared, we would therefore appreciate your comments by 29 January 2010.  We would also encourage you to respond directly to the Government should you wish to do so.

The Council has already worked with partner organisations in the Hartlepool Economic Forum and Environment Partnership to produce an economic impact study and a high level assessment of the environmental implications of a new nuclear power station.  Copies of these reports and reports produced by the Sustainable Development Commission are available to view from the links below:

Environmental impacts of a new nuclear power station:
http://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/downloads/file/5843/environmental_implications_of_new_nuclear_power_stations

Local economic impact scenarios arising from decommissioning and potential new build of Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station:
http://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/downloads/file/5844/hartlepool_economic_impact_assessment-final_report

SDC position paper:  The role of nuclear power in a low carbon economy
http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/publications/downloads/SDC-NuclearPosition-2006.pdf

The Council would be grateful if you could complete the short on-line questions. Click here to complete the questionnaire.

If you have any further comments on the Government's proposals then please email mailto:npowerstation@hartlepool.gov.uk