ALTERNATIVE ENERGY: New tides

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Plans to build the first new nuclear power station in a generation, at Hinkley in Somerset, have brought the issue of the UK's energy needs to the top of the political agenda again.

The UK has ten nuclear reactors, which generate nearly a fifth of total demand. But nine of these reactors will be retired by 2023, and new sources of energy need to come on stream soon. According to the Crown Estate, the UK came a mere six hours away from running out of natural gas in March 2013. While the government go-ahead for the Hinkley power station in October was seen by many as a positive move for the industry, nuclear energy is a deeply divisive issue, partly because of the costs involved. The station in Hinkley, which is being developed and funded by a consortium led by EDF En...