Nuclear boost in new report

THE Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) has welcomed a Nuclear for Net Zero report from the Energy Systems Catapult which sets out the key role nuclear can play in helping the UK meet its climate change goal – handing a boost to potential schemes in North Wales.

This detailed technical and economic assessment for the UK energy needs includes a significant proportion of new nuclear capacity to make the UK’s 2050 target achievable.

The report recommends, providing costs come down, at least a further 10GW of new established reactor designs are built.

This is over three times more capacity than will come online from the Hinkley Point C power station already in construction.

The Wylfa site on Anglesey is tipped as one of the top sites in the UK for new reactors. The current Horizon Nuclear Power project is suspended over funding for the scheme. Planning for the development is continuing with a decision due this year from

The report says its modelling also strengthens the case that a small modular light water reactor programme should proceed, similarly focused on the potential for cost-reduction.

Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd is a leading site for a small reactor development.

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NIA’s chief executive Tom Greatrex said: “Reaching net zero by 2050 is a massive national endeavour – and this detailed, expert report demonstrates that all but removing polluting gas will need low carbon sources of power to massively expand.

“Nuclear is a significant and integral part of that mix for the future. Costs can be reduced through repeat build and new construction techniques – but also, and most significantly, with a different approach to financing.

“It is imperative the government get on and conclude their review of this, so the ‘no regrets’ option highlighted by the Energy Systems Catapult can make progress.

“With thousands of jobs in construction, operation and the supply chain, getting the new fleet of nuclear power stations this report shows are needed under way can also boost the economy at a critical time, while also helping get closer to the net zero ambition.

“There lose.” is no time to