Opposition critics of the paper published today are correct in pointing out that it does not address the current power emergency, but that misses the point. This is a strategy for the future and if it had been adopted a generation ago, the UK would not today be in thrall to the international market for fossil fuels, with the resultant kick to inflation every time there is a major international conflict. Indeed, with the astonishing rise in viability of wind generation and even of photo-voltaic arrays, we would probably be generating entirely carbon-free electricity 365 days of the year by now if previous governments had built on the lead we had in nuclear power generation.
The strategy has its faults. Is there really a need for another quango ("Great British Nuclear") in an arena which has had more than enough of them? Why do China and France (Hinkley Point and Sizewell) still bulk large in the government's plans?
On the positive side, there is now a determination to clear up the commercial/political mess at Wylfa and actually make progress there, to the benefit of employment on Ynys Môn. There is approval for Rolls-Royce's Small Modular Reactor programme.
On balance, this is a positive proposal. If it is pursued resolutely by this and succeeding governments, it should make sure that we can avoid the next international energy crisis. And there surely will be one.
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