Cutting energy demand would remove need for Blair's nuclear folly - Huhne

5.01.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Jul 2006

Commenting on the IPPR report published today stating that almost four times more energy could be saved through energy efficiency measures over the next two decades than could be generated by replacing all the UK's nuclear reactors, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP, said:

"Nuclear is a tried, tested and failed technology with demonstrably higher costs than the renewable alternatives. This report's recommendations to use less energy is yet another endorsement of the approach advocated by the Liberal Democrats. However, under Labour, energy use has been going up and up, year by year, with no sign of ending.

"The most sensible way to ensure security of supply and avoid astronomical expense is to use energy more efficiently. Apart from onshore wind farms, investment in energy efficiency is the most cost effective energy strategy."