Regulatory frameworks will be overhauled to facilitate the construction of new nuclear reactors and generate thousands of highly skilled positions, the government has declared.
The adjustments are part of a broader initiative aimed at “reinvigorating construction in Britain” to stimulate economic growth, following the removal of authority from environmental organizations that could obstruct infrastructure developments.
The UK pioneered the development of nuclear reactors globally, yet the last power station was established in 1995.
Ministers have attributed this stagnation to “overbearing” bureaucratic processes, which has left the UK behind in the international competition for cleaner, more cost-effective energy.
As part of the actions revealed today, small modular reactors (SMRs), which are compact nuclear power stations, will be incorporated into national planning guidelines, permitting their construction in the UK for the first time.
Industry experts view SMRs as being more economical, quicker to produce, and safer than traditional nuclear power facilities, positioning them as integral to decarbonization efforts.
Additional reforms encompass:
• Eliminating a restriction that currently confines nuclear development to eight designated locations
• Abolishing the expiration date on nuclear planning regulations to prevent projects from becoming outdated
• Forming a new Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce to explore more efficient and cost-effective methods of constructing nuclear plants, which will report directly to the prime minister
Labor unions and business organizations have applauded the announcement, but environmental advocates have expressed concerns.
This development occurs amidst ongoing difficulties in advancing two existing nuclear projects.
Currently, only one nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C in Somerset, is under construction in the UK; however, its completion date has suffered from significant delays, attributed by the French company overseeing the project to inflation, labor shortages, and disruptions caused by Brexit.
The government has also highlighted the necessity of a 30,000-page environmental assessment required to obtain planning approval, stating in today’s announcement that Britain “has been stifled by regulations,” which negatively impacts investment.
A separate initiative, Sizewell C in Suffolk, has also faced setbacks and escalating costs before any construction has commenced.
In contrast, China is in the midst of building 29 reactors, while the EU has 12 projects in the planning phase.
UK ‘disadvantaged and trailing’
Starmer during a visit to Hinkley Point nuclear power station. Pic: PA
Sir Keir Starmer stated: “This nation has not constructed a nuclear power facility in decades. We have been let down and relegated.
“I am rectifying that – reforming the regulations to support builders across the country, and rejecting the obstructers who have hindered our opportunities for more affordable energy, development, and job creation for far too long.”
This announcement expands upon a Labour Party manifesto promise to “conclude a decade of indecision” regarding nuclear energy as part of wider strategies to transform Britain into a clean energy leader by 2030 – focusing on reducing energy costs and enhancing security.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized that nuclear energy will generate “thousands of highly skilled jobs” and ensure the UK is not susceptible to fluctuations in global energy markets in the future.
“Build, build, build – that is the essence of Britain’s mission for clean energy,” he asserted.
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’20 years’ to deliver GB Energy jobs
However, some environmental organizations challenge the sustainable credentials of nuclear power, arguing that while it doesn’t emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, it is not a viable alternative to renewable energy solutions like wind and solar power.
Dr. Doug Parr, policy director at Greenpeace UK, commented: “The Labour government seems to have uncritically accepted the nuclear industry’s narrative without offering any analytical scrutiny or requesting credible evidence.”
While unions are optimistic about the job creation potential and progression towards net zero, they assert that it should coincide with the full approval of Sizewell C.
Additionally, Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, remarked: “This signals the prime minister’s strongest commitment to new nuclear energy as essential for economic growth and the clean energy agenda.”
“A more efficient planning framework will provide assurance to investors, the supply chain, and communities, enabling us to swiftly advance the establishment of new nuclear power facilities across a wider range of sites for a more dependable and cleaner energy system.”
