There's no denying the scale of the energy crisis we face. Our current nuclear power stations are reaching the end of their lives and we need to cut back on coal to meet carbon emissions targets. Nuclear was an inevitable option.

But the Government's target of ten new nuclear power stations with the first few up and running by 2018. Not because of the technology or environmental impact. But because of recruitment. 

The last nuclear build in the UK was back in 1988 over twenty years ago with only four built in the past four decades. To build multiple nuclear sites in six years is going to place a high price on skills which aren't in great supply. And due to sensitivity over security these aren't roles you can simply buy in overseas experts.

On top of that there's the additional grid infrastructure to get electricity from the power stations to our homes and offices. Granted most of the new build is at existing sites but work will be needed to upgrade the grid to carry the additional power. The recession has eased some pressure but it's still difficult to get skilled electrical engineers.

The 2018 target is ambitious considering the environmental impact and the amount of work required. But perhaps the biggest challenge of the nuclear plan is going to be recruitment.