On 11 January the UK government launched its plans for the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years, including the prospect of a new power station on the same scale as Hinkley C and the 3.2 GW Sizewell C. Other measures such as smarter regulation are expected to help quadruple UK nuclear power to 24 GW by 2050.
The ‘Civil Nuclear Roadmap’ is intended to give industry a level of certainty about the future direction of the UK’s ambitious nuclear programme, adding to the government’s commitment to building Sizewell C and via industrial competition to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology. The planned 24 GW will provide a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs.
The government will also invest up to £300 million in UK production of the fuel required to power high-tech new nuclear reactors, known as HALEU, currently only commercially produced in Russia. The UK is the first country in Europe to launch a HALEU programme, with its North West England production hub aiming to be operational early in the next decade. An additional £10 million will be provided to develop the skills and sites needed to produce other advanced nuclear fuels in the UK.
The roadmap also includes a government ambition to secure 3 to 7 GW worth of investment decisions every 5 years from 2030 to 2044 on new nuclear projects.
Plans to streamline the development of new power stations and introduce smarter regulation could speed up the overall process and, as a result, the delivery of nuclear power. This includes allowing regulators to assess projects while designs are finalised, and better join-up with overseas regulators assessing the same technology.
The government has at the same time published 2 consultations, one on a new approach to siting future nuclear power stations and another on supporting the sector and encouraging private investment to roll out advanced nuclear projects. The proposals are intended to attract investment in the UK nuclear sector by empowering developers to find suitable sites rather than focusing on those designated by government. Community engagement will remain critical to any decisions, alongside maintaining robust criteria such as nearby population densities.
Following its launch last year, Great British Nuclear (GBN) will drive the UK’s nuclear ambitions forward, including through the SMR competition which will soon invite short-listed companies to tender.
Analysis by the Nuclear Skills Strategy Group suggests that to reach 24GW, the civil and defence nuclear workforce will need to double over the next 20 years – supporting around 80 000 additional skilled jobs across the UK. The Taskforce will shortly set out plans to meet the demand of an industry – already worth £6 billion to the British economy - which is likely to include increasing the numbers of graduates and apprentices and attracting mid-careerists with relevant skills and expertise.
- On 15 January the Sizewell C project in Suffolk triggered its development consent order (DCO) marking the formal start of construction for the 3.2GW nuclear power plant. It follows the completion of pre-construction work and satisfaction of its planning requirements as set out in its Deed of Obligation.
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