Mark Biagi

I support renewable power generation as part of a balanced portfolio of generation methods including nuclear, cleaner fossil and hydropower.

The UK is blessed with prodigious amounts of wind and marine energy, and we are just scraping the surface of its potential.

At the same time I believe it makes perfect sense for nuclear fission, a naturally occuring phenomenon, to be tapped for peaceful energy needs and to provide a baseload supply under the rigorous control of the nuclear regulators.

We also cannot forget that coal and natural gas are still extremely plentiful and whether you like it or not are forecast to deliver over 60% of the world's electricity needs. Therefore, it is essential that we develop cleaner fossil technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage to minimize the impacts of this cheap technology. I support a carbon dioxide pricing mechanism to ensure a level playing field for non-fossil generation methods.

I find wind farms rather beautiful, but clearly the positioning has to be considered carefully. I think they enhance certain places, for example Fenwick Moor in Scotland where the huge windfarm access roads are open to cyclists, providing an attraction on an otherwise deserted moorland.

That's my opinion!

Regards,
Mark