Monday 6 December 2010

Nuclear power must go on PR offensive, says regulator

In order to improve the image of new nuclear, public confidence has to be improved, said the industry regulator Kevin Allars.

Speaking at a Nuclear Industry Association conference, Mr Allars, director of the HSE's New Nuclear Build Generic Design Assessment, said: "We need clarity and transparency so we don't alarm people. The right message is important and the public is very important. We need to improve accountability and become more outcome-focused."

Mr Allars also stressed the need for "a meaningful Generic Design Assessment".

The GDA process came as a response to the 2006 Government Energy Review and allows regulators to get involved with the design of nuclear reactors at a much earlier stage, and therefore allows them more influence.

Mr Allars added: "Our common aims of nuclear are energy security, safety and we want the environment to be protected. So my independence as a regulator is very important to everyone here."