July 7, 2006—A new report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) concludes that Britain’s existing health and safety system is flexible enough to deal with any hazards and risks produced by the use of new energy developments.
HSE’s report is in response to a request from Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks for an expert report to the Government’s energy review on health and safety issues associated with a range of energy developments, and on the potential role of pre-licensing assessments of nuclear reactor designs should the Government decide to look further into new nuclear electricity generation.
Announcing the report, HSE Chief Executive Geoffrey Podger said, “The analysis of the risks and hazards associated with the energy developments reviewed in our report suggests that the existing framework of controls is adequate. We have identified a number of areas where a more specific review of current arrangements is required. The urgency and priority that attaches to these areas, and the resourcing consequences for HSE, will depend on the decisions the Government takes at the conclusion of its review.”
The report covers gas storage; carbon capture and storage (CCS); some renewable sources (wind, wave, tidal and biomass); distributed generation, including hydrogen; nuclear power; and clean coal technology. Its key findings are:
Copies of the report, The health and safety risks and regulatory strategy related to energy developments: An expert report by the Health and Safety Executive contributing to the Government’s Energy Review, 2006, can be accessed on HSE’s Web site.
