The Importance of Nuclear
Zoe Stollard, Construction Partner at Browne Jacobson and Chair of the Nuclear Professional Services Group shares her thoughts on the importance of nuclear for the UK, following an announcement and comments from the Prime Minister.
On the 6th February the UK Government issued a press release titled “Government rips up rules to fire-up nuclear power” following a visit to the UK National Nuclear Laboratory in Preston by the Prime Minister and the Energy Secretary. The Prime Minister has a Plan for Change with nuclear energy being an integral part with more nuclear power plants to be approved across England and Wales with red tape to be slashed to get Britain building.
Continuing the Prime Minister commented that reforms to planning rules will clear a path for smaller, and easier to build nuclear reactors known as Small Modular Reactors to be built for the first time ever in the UK. The country has been mired by delay and obstruction, with a system too happy to label decisions as too difficult, or too long term. The industry pioneered in Britain has been suffocated by regulations and this saw investment collapse, leaving only Hinkley Point C under construction. And this was after years of delay caused by unnecessary rules, meaning companies produced a 30,000-page environmental assessment to get planning permission.
The announcement was strongly welcomed by many within the industry, but some have questioned why is nuclear so important? In my view there are four main reasons why nuclear energy is not just important but vital to the UK economy. These are energy security, net zero, skills and economic growth.
Why is Nuclear So Important?
Starting with energy security, it cannot be disputed that having nuclear is an essential element of the low carbon energy mix due to its longevity and ability to provide a strong baseload of energy generation. If we look at Hinkley Point C (HPC) the power station is scheduled to deliver energy to 6 million homes or create 7 % of the energy requirement for the UK over 60 years.
A fact that not many people are aware of is that nuclear energy has one of the lowest carbon footprints in terms of lifecycle CO2. Nuclear generates 5.1 gCO2 equivalent per kWh and when compared to wind at 14, solar at 37 gCO2 the environmental case starts to become compelling. It is essential that all low carbon energy solutions are encouraged to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. More consideration should be made for mixed technology low carbon energy hubs to emerge taking advantages of economies of scale and best practice.
The nuclear industry employs over 86,000 people with the majority in skilled positions. This number has increased considerably over the last six years with the building of HPC. To date the project has created over 1300 apprenticeship rolls and 8000 people have been upskilled in various centres of excellence such as the National College of Nuclear. With the development of Sizewell C (SZC) and SMR’s many of these new people in the industry can have a lifetime career in the sector.
It has been estimated that the UK economy has benefited to the tune of £123 billion since the two oldest stations started operating in 1976. With HPC already supporting a growing UK supply chain, SZC and a fleet of SMR’s the economic value will continue to rise as inward investment and export opportunities will develop as a direct result.
Now is the time for the “blockers” in the Prime Minister’s words to be taken off and change planning rules so new reactors could be built in more parts of the country. Many key stakeholders are in alignment in their support of nuclear energy for the UK to regain its place as one of the world leaders in nuclear. In conclusion, it is imperative that further delays do not stifle growth as the benefits resulting from energy security, net zero, skills and economic growth will not be realised.
Sources
Government rips up rules to fire-up nuclear power – GOV.UK
NIA Jobs Map 2024 – Nuclear Industry Association
Realising socio-economic benefits – Hinkley Point C | EDF
New study shows positive impact of nuclear power stations on UK jobs