Zoe Stollard, Chair of Nuclear PSG, Partner and Head of Energy & Infrastructure at Browne Jacobson, explores the role that nuclear can play in supporting the UK’s efforts to become an energy superpower.
Labour’s plan
Labour’s vision to transform Britain into a “clean energy superpower” centres around achieving net-zero by 2030. With a strong emphasis on renewable energy, targeted investments, and strategic partnerships, the party aims to create jobs, lower energy bills, and enhance energy security. A significant portion of this transition will also include expanding nuclear power as a reliable, low-carbon energy source. Here’s how Labour plans to realise this ambitious goal:
Labour’s clean energy strategy emphasises rapid growth in renewable energy sources. The plan involves: quadrupling offshore wind capacity to 55 GW, tripling solar capacity to 50 GW, doubling onshore wind capacity to 35 GW. Achieving a zero-carbon grid by 2030 requires robust infrastructure and innovation. This includes: Modernising the National Grid, Investing in energy storage, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). There is also a clear nuclear focus:
Reinforcing the Role of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power will be pivotal in Labour’s clean energy plan, ensuring consistent, low-carbon energy. Key initiatives include:
- Completing Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C projects: These large-scale plants will add substantial capacity to the grid. Initially scheduled for completion in 2025, Hinkley Point C’s activation is now projected to be delayed until as late as 2031.[1]
- Extending the lifespan of existing nuclear plants: Maximising output from current infrastructure while ensuring safety.[2]
- Developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): SMRs offer a flexible and scalable nuclear option, providing consistent power and reducing emissions. Labour envisions nuclear contributing a substantial share of the clean energy mix, supported by clear policies and investment frameworks.[3]
Great British Nuclear SMRs
The UK’s Great British Nuclear (GBN) initiative is making significant strides in its ambitious mission to deploy SMRs as part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation’s energy security and meet its climate goals. With the government aiming for up to 25% of UK electricity to come from nuclear power by 2050, SMRs are poised to play a critical role, offering a more flexible and scalable alternative to traditional large-scale reactors. The GBN recently completed the initial phase of its competitive selection process, advancing four SMR designs from GE-Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce, and Westinghouse to the final stage.[4] GBN has started the detailed negotiations with the final four shortlisted bidders into the SMR programme on the 11 November 2024.[5]
It is expected that by the end of 2024, GBN will announce one or two finalists, which will then progress to government-backed contracts covering design, development, and construction. Sites at Wylfa and Oldbury have already been secured, indicating that groundwork for physical deployment is underway. Beyond the finalists, GBN’s initiative allows unsuccessful firms to pursue private deployment of their SMR technologies in the UK, further supporting the government’s drive to establish the UK as a leader in SMR deployment.[6]
Establishing Great British Energy to Oversee Nuclear Expansion
To ensure Britain’s nuclear future is managed effectively, Labour will create Great British Energy (GBE), a publicly owned energy company.
Great British Energy is a publicly-owned company, that will partner with industry and trade unions to deliver clean power.[7] Great British energy is a significant aspect of the Labour Party’s £5 billion yearly “green prosperity plan”, which will be financed in part by increasing the windfall tax on oil and gas drilling companies.[8]
GBE will:
- Act as a central hub for investment and collaboration in nuclear projects.
GBE will take over the responsibilities of Great British Nuclear, aiming to boost investment and innovation in the UK’s nuclear sector, a vital component of the nation’s future energy security.
- Support research and development in cutting-edge nuclear technologies like SMRs.
- Partner with the private sector to secure financing and speed up project timelines.[9]
Conclusion
Labour’s vision for Britain as a clean energy superpower relies heavily on the expansion of nuclear power. From large-scale projects like Hinkley Point C to the innovative potential of SMRs, nuclear energy is central to ensuring a reliable, zero-carbon energy system. By combining strategic investment, streamlined planning, and the establishment of Great British Energy, Labour plans to secure a future where Britain leads the world in clean energy production. Ambitious plans indeed. Let’s make it happen…..
Picture – Zoe Stollard with other Nuclear PSG Board members and Wales Nuclear Forum members at a tour of Hinkley Point C Last year.
[1] https://www.building.co.uk/buildings/hinkley-point-c-building-britains-first-nuclear-reactor-in-30-years/5130997.article
[2] https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Make-Britain-a-Clean-Energy-Superpower.pdf
[3] https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Make-Britain-a-Clean-Energy-Superpower.pdf ; https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mission-Possible_The-steps-to-make-Britain-a-clean-energy-superpower.pdf
[4] https://www.neimagazine.com/news/great-british-nuclear-unveils-smr-shortlist/
[5] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/negotiations-begin-for-uks-small-modular-reactor-programme
[6] n(10); https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/great-british-nuclear-smr-competition-whittled-down-to-final-4-following-initial-tenders-26-09-2024/
[7] Make Britain a clean energy superpower – The Labour Party
[8] GB Energy: can Labour’s plan to become a ‘superpower’ pay off? (ft.com)
[9] https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Make-Britain-a-Clean-Energy-Superpower.pdf