The UK presented its energy security strategy this week and the government said it wanted to ‘take back the world lead’ in nuclear power by reversing what it describes as ‘decades of sub -investment”. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said expanding the use of nuclear power would help reduce energy bills and dependence on Russian supplies.
He said: “We are making bold plans to develop and accelerate affordable, clean and safe energy made in Britain, for Britain – from new nuclear to offshore wind – in the decade to come.
“It will reduce our dependence on energy sources exposed to volatile international prices that we cannot control, so that we can enjoy greater energy autonomy with cheaper bills.”
The government hopes to approve one new nuclear reactor each year until 2030 with the aim of having all eight operational by 2050.
Currently the UK has 15 nuclear reactors that can meet 20% of demand, but most will stop working before 2030.
Thirteen new reactors are under development with advanced plans confirmed for Wylfa in Anglesey and two new reactors have been approved for Sizewell C in Suffolk.
Oldbury in South Gloucestershire and Moorside (Sellafield) in Cumbria have also been identified as suitable sites.
A new body called Great British Nuclear will be set up to manage UK investment in nuclear energy.
A £120million ‘Future Nuclear Enabling Fund’ will also be launched later this month to kick-start projects.
It is hoped that by 2050, up to 24 gigawatts (GW) of electricity will be produced by nuclear, or 25% of projected demand.
Tom Greatrex, CEO of the Nuclear Industry Association, said the plans were a “vital step forward” for the UK to meet its climate targets and create thousands of jobs.
He added: “Ambition and determination to do much more and faster is welcome.”
However, the long-term environmental consequences of nuclear energy and the waste it generates are unclear.
A House of Lords paper in October says the issue of nuclear waste remains “unresolved in the UK”.
So what do you think? Do you support UK investment in nuclear power? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section below.
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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-08 08:33:00
