Climate warning for nuclear

1.00.00pm GMT Wed 26th Jul 2006

Following news that a nuclear power plant in Spain has had to be shut down due to rising temperatures, Liberal Democrats have questioned nuclear power's ability to maintain security of supply.

Lib Dem Spokesperson for the Department of Trade and Industry, Ed Davey MP, commented:

"If a hot spell can shut down nuclear power plants they are hardly the guarantee for energy security Ministers claim."

Energy Spokesperson, David Howarth, added:

"By going nuclear, it now seems that Ministers aren't only risking taxpayers' money, they are risking reliability in energy supply as well."

The Garona plant in Spain was shut down after the temperature in the River Ebro, which feeds the plant's refrigeration system, exceeded the authorised level.