The Institution of Civil Engineers South West (ICE) has supported the UK secretary of state for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne’s backing for nuclear power.
Huhne reiterated the coalition government’s support for both renewable and nuclear energy supplies in his speech at the Liberal Democrat conference.
Although there will be no subsidies for nuclear power, the development of new stations is believed by the government to be vital to ensure security of supply, the UK government said.
Energy company EDF has proposed a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, while E.ON wants to develop a new site at Oldbury in Gloucestershire.
ICE South West regional director Trish Johnson said, the institute welcomes the secretary of state’s renewed commitment to nuclear power, which is necessary for the UK’s security of energy supply.
"For the South West, this also means the creation of much needed jobs and a boost to the local economy," Johnson said.