Go Ahead Given to Next Gen of Nuclear Power stations...

I have mixed feelings. I am disappointed that we are not yet at the stage where fusion is a viable option but the technology to create controlled thermonuclear reactions will take decades to develop.

In the UK, we already exploit potential hydroelectric power and wind farms are on the increase but renewables can only really make an impact when they are incorporated into the design of new or refurbished buildings. I think I have to support the latest decision with reluctance as the 'least worst' option.

I am also disappointed that we are not further along with using superconductors to transport our leccy. Much of the power generated is lost in transporting it to us, and unlike the water companies who's leaks could be avoided, this loss is due to natural resistance of the metal in the cables. When I was an A level Physics Student 14 years ago, superconductors (where resistence is zero) only worked at seriously sub-zero temperatures and had to be cooled with liquid helium but the mood was optimistic that materials with superconductivity at less extreme temperatures was viable. But still we seem a long way off having superconductor power cables.

All that said, I hope that the work at Cadarache bears much fruit and this will be the last generation of nuclear fission stations and when they are decommissioned will be replaced with cleaner fusion reactors that produce no radioactive waste.