Opponents of nuclear power say that the risk of accidents coupled with the problems of how to dispose of long-term nuclear waste, mean renewable energy is the only real clean alternative to fossil fuels. Renewables currently account for only two percent of British output. The government has promised to increase this to 10 percent by 2010. But a recent parliamentary select committee report said even that target will not be met with present policies. In the event, natural gas will probably meet a large part of our energy needs.
Gas is a much less polluting fule than coal and oil.
Gas-fired stations are far cheaper and quicker to build than nuclear ones, and have none of the latter's nightmarish reputation. But they still pollute and depend a finite supply which in twenty year's time Britain will have to import from abroad at high cost. Renewables, by contrast, offer an indefinite supply that is basically free once the technology. The British are only beginning to realise this, and mobilise for a greener future.