Government seeks alternative energy supplies

The government is trying to protect the UK from rising energy prices by investing in research for new power sources, a leading politician has said.

Business secretary John Hutton told Radio Four's Today programme officials were "doing a lot" and investing heavily in the development of renewable energy.

Mr Hutton was speaking ahead of delivering a speech on how the UK could protect itself from rising fossil fuel prices.

He said: "We want to see a new generation of nuclear power. We are investing as a government, and through the energy companies, very significant amounts of money."

He added the government was looking at what alternative energy sources it could ensure are in place in ten to 15 years' time.

He also warned there would be no "cost-free" new developments but said the UK should avoid continuing to be vulnerable to fluctuating fossil fuel prices.

On Monday the average price of a litre of unleaded petrol in the UK stood at 115p, while diesel stood at 127p, according to petrolprices.com.
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