Idea of renewables powering UK is an 'appalling delusion' – David MacKay

Country should focus on nuclear power and carbon capture technologies, former chief scientific adviser said in his final interview

The idea that renewable energy can power the UK is an "appalling delusion", according to the final interview given by former chief scientific adviser, the late Professor Sir David MacKay.

The sensible energy and climate change plan for the UK, MacKay said, was for the country to focus on nuclear power and carbon capture storage technology, which traps the carbon dioxide from fossil fuel burning. In that scenario, the amount of wind and solar the UK needed would be almost zero, he said.