Nuclear power plan for Ulster

A millionaire businessman today told the Belfast Telegraph how he hopes to build a £1bn nuclear power station in the province. Londonderry entrepreneur Robert Andrews - founder of the hi-tech Andronics satellite products company - said he is preparing an environmental impact study to see what effect a nuclear power station would have on the region.

The Government last week gave the go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations on mainland Britain. And Mr Andrews believes the Irish and British governments should reach a decision about a similar move here - and that it should be built in the North West. Despite opposition by councillors when he first mooted the idea at a Derry City Council meeting, Mr Andrews is adamant that a nuclear power station would benefit the city on a number of levels.

Mr Andrews said today that there would be sustained and well-paid jobs for hundreds of people over 50 years, a ready supply of electricity, and that excess power generated by a nuclear power station could be used for helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He said: "We have too much dependency on oil, gas and coal, and that has a very negative effect on both parts of the island. External imports of fossil fuels means the economy will only be going one way and that is down." Mr Andrews said the construction of a nuclear power station would be a real boost to the local economy. He added: "This would make a significant difference to the local economy. I have to do an environmental impact study to see how a nuclear power station would affect the area. I really believe this is the way forward. I come from an engineering background and I'm a firm believer in renewable energy but at the current levels of supply from renewable sources supply is not secured. Aside from generating the power for central heating the excess electricity created could be used to power electric cars which would help the move away from fossil fuels, which would help the environment."

The former NIE employee calculates that 3,000 temporary jobs would be created during the construction of the plant while there would be 600 full-time jobs during its lifespan and every 18 months 1,500 workers would be required to service the generator. He said: "I have been an electronic engineer for 40 years working in radar systems and for a time with NIE so I have a good understanding of distribution and generators. The thing about it is that the decision by the Government has no real influence. The decision to build the next generation of nuclear power stations in the UK excludes Northern Ireland. I believe it will be down to the Irish government and the Assembly agreeing to nuclear power that will see a power station built here. If that does happen then I would campaign for it to be in Derry."

A spokesman for Derry City Council said: "Mr Andrews made a presentation to members of the development committee in which he outlined the potential wealth creating opportunities for Derry in establishing a nuclear power generator and medical research centre. Members outlined the fact that Derry has been declared a nuclear-free zone and opposition was expressed by members from all parties at the prospect of the development of a nuclear power generator in the city. It was generally agreed that nuclear power was not the answer to the economic and energy needs of the area."

Andronics - a technology company that makes systems for monitoring and managing remote assets such as vehicles and liquefied petroleum gas tanks - was recently acquired by the US-based Sars Corporation for an undisclosed sum.

© Belfast Telegraph