the-BA : BA Press Release

Today the government announced publication of its long-awaited energy review, a comprehensive analysis of UK energy policy produced by a cross-departmental team within the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The 216 page document, entitled ‘The Energy Challenge’, supports the combined use of nuclear and renewable energy supplies and proposes the rapid development of new nuclear power stations and onshore wind farms, despite objections from environmental campaigners and local residents. It also discusses new initiatives for storing carbon dioxide emissions in North Sea oil fields and encouraging consumers to use less energy and reduce wastage.

The review has already been criticised for failing to provide specific details on how it will achieve its aims and the government has had to respond to claims that it has pre-judged the issue of nuclear power. In addition, while the review discusses the potential for public consultation in planning a new energy infrastructure, it is unspecific as to the form that public engagement activities will take.

Commenting on the publication of the review, Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA said: “Government energy policy is of fundamental importance to science in society and has an impact on many issues of concern to the public, such as the nature of climate change, energy efficiency and the use of renewable versus non-renewable resources.”

“One would hope that a statement of national energy policy would spell out the economic and social costs of its proposals and make a concerted effort to incorporate public opinion and promote wider public debate on energy-related matters,” he added. “Sadly this has not been the case with the energy review."

The BA seeks to promote the open discussion of science in society issues and to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Our goal is to help create a society comfortable with and supportive of science and technology. This can best be achieved if the scientific community, policy makers and the broad public share a common and open culture in relation to science and its applications; in particular, so that they share perspectives and understandings of the benefits, opportunities, priorities and concerns about the directions of scientific research and its applications through technology and engineering.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Richard Elliott, Press Assistant, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: richard.elliott@the-ba.net

Note for editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) exists to create a positive social climate in which science, and the organisations dependent on it, advances with public consent and with the involvement and active support of non-scientists. We seek to achieve that by connecting science with people: promoting openness about science in society and affirming science as a prime cultural force through engaging and inspiring adults and young people directly with science and technology, and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of Science, National Science Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net

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