The UK government has unveiled plans to expedite the construction of mini nuclear power stations in England and Wales, aiming to address the nation's evolving energy needs. As nuclear power currently supplies approximately 15% of the UK's electricity, the initiative seeks to fill the gap left by ageing reactors set for decommissioning within the next decade. The proposal includes establishing a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce to accelerate the approval process for new reactor designs, alongside reforms to "archaic" planning rules.
The Conservative shadow energy secretary, Andrew Bowie, has voiced support for the benefits of nuclear power, emphasizing its role in delivering clean and reliable energy. The government anticipates that these plans will generate thousands of highly skilled jobs, bolstering both the economy and the energy sector. However, Greenpeace UK's policy director, Doug Parr, has expressed concerns over the lack of rigorous scrutiny applied to nuclear power projects.
"so much as a pinch of critical scrutiny or asking for a sprinkling of evidence"
- Doug Parr
Britain faces significant challenges as one of the world's most expensive countries to build nuclear power. The lengthy process of constructing nuclear power stations in the UK can take nearly two decades. The new task force and planning reforms aim to reduce these timelines, facilitating a faster transition to cleaner energy sources. This shift began under Rishi Sunak's Conservative government, with a consultation on loosening site rules held in January 2024.
The head of the Nuclear Industry Association, Tom Greatrex, has hailed these reforms as a pivotal move towards growth and clean power.
"They present as fact things which are merely optimistic conjecture on small nuclear reactor cost, speed of delivery and safety"
- Doug Parr
Despite these initiatives, the government has not yet reached a final decision on Sizewell C, a major proposed nuclear power station. The decision is expected during the spending review later this year, signaling whether further investment will be directed towards expanding the UK's nuclear capabilities.