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G8 to back more nuclear build

G8 leaders will agree next week to expand the build of nuclear power to curb global warming, according to a draft statement, seen by Kyodo news.

At the G8 summit in Hokkaido, Japan, G8 leaders will support national goals and action plans to improve energy efficiency and promote clean energy, such as solar power.

But Kyodo news said the draft makes no reference to plans to halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The G8 will also assess plans to invest in carbon dioxide capture and storage, with billions of dollars to be set aside annually for new technologies.

On the nuclear build option, the draft says: "Recognising that ensuring safeguards (nuclear nonproliferation), nuclear safety and nuclear security forms a sound basis for international transparency and confidence in the sustainable development of nuclear power, we agree on a G8 initiative to assist countries in ensuring 3S."

It calls on China and others to join the initiative.

Help by all major economies was "essential" for tackling climate change, the draft says.

The G8 are expected to press China, India and other major emerging economies to curb CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

Meeting at the summit are leaders from the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia.