The Government has published its finalised Energy National Policy Statements (NPSs) in order for them to be debated in Parliament. This follows an extensive public consultation earlier this year which received over two and a half thousand responses.

The Energy NPSs provide a clear framework for decision making and set out the need for a surge of investment in new energy sources, including 33GW of new renewable energy capacity. The Nuclear NPS lists eight sites across the country as suitable for new nuclear power stations by 2025.


Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy said: "Around a quarter of the UK's generating capacity is due to close by the end of this decade. We need to replace this with secure, low carbon, affordable energy. This will require over £100billion worth of investment in electricity generation alone. This means twice as much investment in energy infrastructure in this decade as was achieved in the last decade.

"Industry needs as much certainty as possible to make such big investments. These plans set out our energy need to help guide the planning process, so that if acceptable proposals come forward in appropriate places, they will not face unnecessary hold-ups.

"The Coalition Government is determined to make the UK a truly attractive market for investors, to give us secure, affordable, low-carbon energy. These National Policy Statements are an important milestone."

The Government's final proposed Energy NPSs will be debated in Parliament. The date of the debate is to be confirmed.

(BMcN)