London considers more nuclear power

LONDON, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- While shooting down a $47 billion tidal energy project, the British energy secretary said Monday that major investments were needed for energy security.

British Energy Secretary Chris Huhne said the coalition government expects to get about half of its energy from renewable energy resources by 2025.

He said the British government was examining as many as eight new sites that were ideal for new nuclear power stations in the country.

"I'm fed up with the standoff between advocates of renewables and of nuclear which means we have neither," he said in a statement. "We urgently need investment in new and diverse energy sources to power the United Kingdom."

Huhne said an investigation into the proposed $47 billion Severn tidal power project didn't make sense in the short term, however.

"Other low carbon options represent a better deal for taxpayers and consumers," he said.

The United Kingdom is examining alternative energy projects like wind and nuclear power as reserves in the North Sea run dry.