Build more nuclear plants now, energy chief warns

British Energy chief Bill Coley has warned that the UK needs to start building more nuclear plants immediately if it wants to meet its climate change obligations.

The nuclear energy firm, which is the subject of a proposed takeover £12.4bn by EDF and runs most of Britain's reactors, is expected to be at the forefront of a nuclear new-build programme.

The Guardian reported that British Energy, which yesterday reported a 50% fall in profits, has held talks with local communities about four possible sites.

Coley said nuclear new-build would bring economic benefits to the UK at a time when the economy was suffering: "It would bring a tremendous amount of investment into the country, create hundreds of jobs and would be great business for the supply chain in this country."