Now that, in itself, is not an entirely surprising statement for me, but what is currently going on in the energy generation saga is hurting what is left of my brain.
Hanging fire for a couple of months to consider the Hinkley Point was an excellent piece of power generation on behalf of Theresa May. Subsequently approving it – with additional provisos (?) – not so much.
Putting to one side the ongoing discussion regarding nuclear power versus every other option, there seem to be some fundamental points that makes it impossible for this sum to add up.
Firstly, the cost. Reports vary, but there seems to be a clear consensus that the existing planned development is more expensive that any other nuclear option, is unproved as far as the Chinese design is concerned, and has a record of overspending and late delivery as far as EDF are concerned. And that is before attaching the guaranteed payment for the power supplied, at around double what is paid now.
Secondly, with all the fuss and fury surrounding security implications, why is what is intended to be a significant element of the UK’s ongoing power generation being sourced from France and China?
Call me old-fashioned, but surely there are certain things that are too important to the continued functioning of this country to be put into the hands of people with different agendas? And no, before the accusations fly, I haven’t joined UKIP. I am all for open borders, I accept that multi-national corporations are here to stay – till the revolution – and in themselves the French and Chinese are wonderful people from wonderful countries.
But, big but, there are – or should be – limits. We spend our time moving in and out of bi-lateral and multi-lateral relationships with nations across the world, depending on circumstances, world events, lying politicians, and psychopathic factions. More so now than ever before in our history.
So, common sense says that the basic functions of modern life – energy, food, transportation, health, care – should remain within our control.
Governments in recent years have seemed a little to happy to attract external investment at any cost, selling off anything that moves, or makes something that moves, with little or no regard for an ever-changing world, and the fundamental needs of the country.
Are we now so deskilled that there is no-one in this country who knows how to build a power station? Or run a railway franchise? Or an energy provider? Or a steel industry? Oops, let that one slip in by mistake.
I would never propose protectionism as a general principle, as much that is good and or useful comes from operating across borders, the least of which is an incentive to retaining good relationships. But there are some things that are too important to blindly follow political dogma, and energy is one of them.
The sums don’t add up, my confusion remains.
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