News

Following the Government's formal backing of nuclear power to meet the UK's energy needs, Dungeness could see a new reactor built and be on stream by 2020.

It is believed sites of decommissioned stations, including Dungeness A, would be likely to house any new reactors.

Some people living near the nuclear plant have welcomed the possibility, which they say would boost the local economy, but there is opposition from the Liberal Democrats on Shepway District Council.

Lynne Beaumont, leader of the council's Lib Dems said she thought an increase in nuclear power was a step backward.

Government Business Secretary John Hutton told MPs yesterday (10 January) nuclear power would give a "safe and affordable" way of securing the UK's future energy supplies while fighting climate change.

The Dungeness A site started generating electricity into the National Grid in 1965. It ceased generating power in 2006.

The nearby Dungeness B site will stay open until 2010.