British coal argued this week that there are no compelling reasons for
the government to support the building of new nuclear plants. Commercially,
plants using 鈥榗lean coal鈥� technology can be more attractive than new reactors,
says the company in its submission to the government鈥檚 review of the nuclear
industry. And environmentally, emissions of sulphur, nitrogen oxides and
carbon dioxide can be reduced from coal-fired plants. The disadvantages
of any remaining emissions should be balanced against the risks of 鈥榦perational
incidents鈥�, and the 鈥榚nvironmental drawbacks鈥� of decommissioning old reactors
and managing radioactive waste.
British Coal鈥檚 arguments stem largely from its own need to survive.
If the government decides to continue subsidising the nuclear industry,
future investment in coal and other fuels may be jeopardised. 鈥榃e have to
operate in a completely commercial environment,鈥� says a spokesman for the
company. 鈥楾he nuclear industry should operate under the same rules.鈥�
