Future nuclear power plants uk. The Country Nuclear Power .

Future nuclear power plants uk. The EU is building a comprehensive strategy Feb 5, 2025 · The UK is set ease the rules around where nuclear power plants can be built in a bid to revitalize the struggling sector. Britain opened the world’s first commercial Nov 1, 2022 · Electricity shortages appear inevitable for the UK due to the decommissioning of the nation's aging estate of nuclear power stations, according to evidence submitted by industry to politicians. Jan 22, 2024 · The UK government on Monday committed an extra £800mn to a planned £20bn nuclear power plant as ministers seek to attract outside investors to the project. At a projected cost of £10bn – a rough estimate that could well balloon – two companies, Centrica, the parent of British Gas, and X-energy, a US startup, are proposing to develop and build a completely novel type of nuclear power plant. GlobalData uses proprietary data and analytics to provide a complete picture of the global nuclear power segment. Nuclear power provides a reliable and low-carbon source of electricity, reducing carbon emissions and helping to mitigate climate change. [1] As of May 2025, the UK has nine operational nuclear reactors at four locations (eight advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGR) and one pressurised water reactor (PWR)), producing 5. (A final investment Jan 25, 2024 · GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U. The Government has an ambition to increase production of nuclear energy. Jun 10, 2025 · “Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Sizewell C, the UK’s first British-owned nuclear power plant in over 30 years. It provides a significant portion of the country’s electricity, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Nov 19, 2024 · The carbon-free attributes and consistently high fleet performance have led to increasing momentum behind nuclear power. It’s a privilege to be leading a project that will create over 10,000 jobs, secure Britain’s energy future and revitalise the UK’s nuclear industry. Sep 15, 2025 · "With the UK's first advanced modular reactor, Hartlepool will stand at the forefront of Britain's nuclear future, be the beating heart of a clean energy revolution and drive the UK's economy once 3 days ago · The announcement last week that a dozen new nuclear power stations are to be built in Hartlepool is unlike anything else that has ever been attempted in the UK. Is nuclear power a clean energy technology? Nuclear’s carbon footprint is miniscule compared to fossil fuels. 2 billion) to help build a nuclear power plant as well as a series of small modular reactors. "Economists estimate that each nuclear plant built could save more than 800,000 life years. Feb 6, 2025 · More nuclear power plants will be approved across England and Wales as the Prime Minister slashes red tape to get Britain building - as part of his Plan for Change. Jan 28, 2025 · EDF Energy said the performance of its UK nuclear power plants in 2024 was "very good", with an output of 37. Jul 22, 2025 · Why does the government want the UK to use more nuclear power? In November 2024, the UK and 30 other countries signed a global pledge to triple their nuclear capacity by 2050. Jan 11, 2024 · A roadmap released by the UK government on Jan. 3 TWh - a level it aims to maintain over the coming years. Every country worldwide that has operating nuclear power plants, or plants under construction, has a dedicated country profile in the Information Library. So what are the chances of another nuclear power plant being built here?. 5 days ago · Most of the current fleet of reactors in the UK is due to retire by 2030. 11 aimed at quadrupling the country's nuclear power capacity by 2050 sets out a series of goals and Nov 5, 2024 · The budget says “new nuclear will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs” (para 4. 2025 The Future of Nuclear Engineering for 2025: Innovations and Challenges Ahead As we approach the middle of 2025, the landscape of nuclear engineering is poised for significant transformation. However, this ambition faces significant challenges, as most of the current 6. At a projected cost of £10bn – a rough estimate that could well balloon – two companies, Centrica, the parent of British Gas, and X-energy, a US startup, are proposing to develop and build a completely novel type of nuclear power This article analyzes the future of nuclear power plants in the UK, examining technological advancements, government policies, public perception, and its impact on the nation’s energy security and electricity supply. The move is part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, which includes reforms to planning rules to facilitate the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs) for the first time. This ambitious initiative is part of his "Plan for Change," aiming to slash red tape and accelerate the nation's development. May 23, 2024 · The UK government has picked Wylfa in Anglesey, North Wales, as its preferred site for the country’s third large-scale nuclear power plant after Hinkley C in Somerset and Sizewell C in Suffolk May 2, 2025 · Former UK prime minister Tony Blair recently argued nuclear power is an “essential part of the answer” to net zero. Jan 4, 2021 · Nuclear power is an integral part of the UK’s plans to transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 Nuclear power currently supplies about 16% of the UK’s electricity, but its existing fleet of reactors are approaching the end of their operating lives. The government said the Sizewell C nuclear reactor would help deliver “a golden age” of abundant clean energy. Sep 10, 2024 · Elsewhere, the UK’s “world-class” nuclear fusion research expertise sees more than 2,700 people employed at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire, the NIA said. 5GW of nuclear capacity is set to be decommissioned within the next decade. You can read the rest of them here. Sep 10, 2025 · The government is poised to approve funding for a fleet of Rolls-Royce mini nuclear reactors that the prime minister hopes will help the UK reach his target of zero-carbon electricity by 2035. Jan 16, 2025 · The nuclear energy sector is poised for a transformative year in 2025, with key developments set to reshape the global energy landscape. 80). May 15, 2025 · The UK’s Labour Government is trying to clear away the barriers to building new energy infrastructure so it can meet its key manifesto pledge to provide ‘Clean Power’ by 2030. The global nuclear energy sector is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and the increasing demand for clean, reliable power sources. The Future Nuclear Enabling Fund will help to realise the government's ambition to approve eight new reactors by 2030. 2 The Government’s aim of delivering 24 GW of nuclear power by 2050 Background: History of UK civil nuclear power 13. Jul 25, 2024 · A nuclear fusion energy plant being built in Nottinghamshire has been described as the "UK's Nasa moment" as it races to become the first of its type in the world. Jan 23, 2025 · The UK government has announced a record £506 million investment in nuclear fusion, aiming to build a prototype power plant by 2040 and accelerate the development of clean energy. And to meet the UK’s increased demand for power over the coming decades, we need to do more than replace these stations. A survey of 1304 adults in the UK was carried out using a questionnaire developed in this research. Investing in nuclear power to help Britain achieve Net Zero EDF is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C, and plans for a new power station at Sizewell C in Suffolk. 22 During the seven decades since, Britain’s nuclear energy policy has been characterised by intermittency. Nuclear power is a significant component of the United Kingdom’s energy mix, providing a stable and low-carbon source of electricity. 05. This is because nuclear power generation causes one of the lowest levels of fatalities per unit of energy generated compared to other energy sources. The start of electricity generation from unit 1 is expected in June 2026, with unit 2 following in 2027 with a projected lifespan of 60 years. “From large gigawatt projects to small modular reactors, the UK’s wider nuclear revival will quadruple our nuclear capacity by 2050 – helping to power Britain from Britain. Mar 10, 2023 · X-Energy UK Holdings and Cavendish Nuclear are developing proposals for small modular reactors in the UK and have "identified Hartlepool as a preferred location" - welcoming EDF's announcement that the existing nuclear power plant will operate for an extra two years, to 2026. Construction has commenced on the first of a new generation of plants. The new Civil Nuclear Roadmap describes how the UK could meet its Nuclear power is a safe, sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions. Sep 15, 2025 · The Sizewell B nuclear power station in Suffolk is Britain’s newest plant. Under Point 3 of the Plan the Government confirmed it was “pursuing large-scale nuclear, whilst also looking to the future of nuclear power in the UK through further investment in Small Sep 12, 2025 · Holtec is exploring the possibility of restarting the Indian Point Energy Center, which ceased operations in 2021. Clean energy is a core focus for Cavendish Nuclear through our support to existing reactors, the construction of Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, and our work to develop advanced nuclear technologies for the future. It offers numerous benefits that contribute to the country’s sustainable and renewable energy future. Long lead times Feb 12, 2025 · The UK is already recognized as one of the most expensive places to build nuclear power plants, a factor that has deterred private investment. System costs for nuclear power (as well as coal and gas Apr 4, 2024 · Nuclear has a vital role in delivering net zero by 2050, we are passionate about the key role that we play in that. Oct 15, 2021 · In north Wales, US nuclear company Westinghouse is planning to revive plans for a nuclear power plant at Wylfa that was abandoned by Japan’s Hitachi in 2019. Jun 10, 2025 · The UK is to invest £14. Can they surpass renewables as the fastest-growing energy source? Use and availability of high-assay low-enriched uranium and its potential role in securing a clean, safe energy supply Nuclear energy and the promise of cost-effective small modular reactors (SMRs) is high on the EU's policy agenda, against the backdrop of a difficult global geopolitical context and the Union's energy security and climate ambitions. Nuclear power is the most reliable, low-carbon energy source currently available to the UK. It has followed its predecessor government in trying to smooth the way for building new nuclear units with a revised planning framework appropriate to SMRs as well as large gigawatt-scale reactors (discussed below May 8, 2024 · The UK will be the first European nation to produce advanced nuclear fuel – a market currently dominated by Russia – to help fuel nuclear power plants at home and abroad. Apr 23, 2025 · This is a pivotal time for the nuclear industry. The costs of nuclear power remain indefensible whilst we have better and cheaper alternatives. Nuclear will play a crucial role in powering our economy Feb 6, 2025 · A series of planning reforms are to be introduced by the UK government in a bid to drive new nuclear development with SMRs at the forefront of the strategy. Hinkley Point C will provide low carbon electricity to meet 7% of UK demand. Feb 26, 2021 · However in November 2018, the collapse of private sector support for a new plant at Moorside, and in January 2019 the suspension of the Hitachi project at Wylfa, cast doubt on the future of nuclear plants in the UK. Power generation industry updates, news, and insights including gas, renewables, coal, nuclear, energy storage, hydrogen, and more. [20] The Alliance against Hinkley C began publishing a newsletter pressing for the government to focus instead on the Sep 15, 2025 · The Linn County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance for future nuclear projects, which coincides with the potential of Duane Arnold power plant reopening in late 2028 if granted approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Feb 28, 2025 · The British government's competition to select companies to develop small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) is on track to reach a decision in the spring, the country's nuclear body said on Friday Apr 18, 2024 · Britain’s nuclear power expansion plan has started strong with public and private nuclear programs underway just a couple of months after the national strategy announcement. Feb 27, 2025 · Egypt’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant moved steadily forward, bringing the country closer to operating its first reactor. Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) such as nuclear power stations are examined by the Planning Inspectorate according to a strict Jan 1, 2012 · The economics of nuclear power are reviewed from the perspectives of investments, finance and overall competitiveness versus alternatives on a life-cycle basis. Meanwhile, a new report has highlighted the contribution that nuclear energy has made to economic growth in the UK. The government has been committed to expanding nuclear capacity to meet future energy demands and reduce greenhouse gas emissions Dec 1, 2021 · Status of nuclear power in the UK In 2020, 16% of the UK’s electricity came from nuclear power plants. As of September 2023 [update Mar 27, 2023 · The largest nuclear power station in the United Kingdom is the Sizewell B nuclear power station in Suffolk, which has a generating capacity of 1. The attempted Apr 25, 2025 · LONDON — The U. 2 The plans include next steps for exploring a large-scale power plant as big as Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C. EDF Energy has announced it will invest a further GBP1. Feb 11, 2025 · This week we look at the government's reforms to put England "back in the global race" for nuclear energy, the UK Net Zero Council's plans for the energy transition, NESO's Business Plan 3 and more. About 30 countries are considering, planning or starting nuclear power programmes. Sep 16, 2025 · UK and US firms have agreed to expedite the construction of new nuclear power plants, marking a "golden age" of energy and a landmark moment during US President Donald Trump's state visit this week. A sample of thorium Thorium-based nuclear power generation is fueled primarily by the nuclear fission of the isotope uranium-233 produced from the fertile element thorium. 2 billion pounds ($19 billion) to build a new nuclear station that will reduce the U. 2 GW. This would supply a quarter of our electricity in 2050. Mar 1, 2015 · An important consideration for any new nuclear build programme is an understanding of the public's viewpoint, as in many countries this can influence the direction of future energy markets. U. While nuclear reactors Feb 12, 2024 · The UK government, via Great British Nuclear, is in talks with Hitachi to acquire its Wylfa site on Anglesey to build a new nuclear power plant. Dec 3, 2022 · UNITED KINGDOM (Updated 2022) PREAMBLE AND SUMMARY This report provides information on the status and development of nuclear power programmes in the United Kingdom (UK) including factors related to the effective planning, decision making and implementation of the nuclear power programme that together lead to safe and economical operation of nuclear power plants. However, it's crucial to carefully weigh the financial risks and long-term implications of such large-scale projects. Electricity demand is increasing about twice as fast as overall energy use and is likely to rise by more than half between 2022 and 2040. Officials said the investment will go into building the new Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk, on England’s eastern coast, saying it will generate enough low-carbon Nov 21, 2024 · A number of countries including the UK are building new nuclear power stations A decade ago, it seemed as though the global nuclear industry was in an irreversible decline. Feb 6, 2025 · Britain on Thursday promised to free more sites for nuclear energy developments across England and Wales, seeking to attract private investment into Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as part of its Ten Point Plan, November 2020 clear power in GB and energy policy more broadly. Martin Cheetham inside the Heysham 2 reactor hall The Heysham 2 nuclear power plant on the northwest Sep 26, 2024 · The UK named four companies, including a division of Rolls Royce Plc, to proceed to the next stage of a contest to build the country’s first small modular nuclear power plant, a potentially key Jan 16, 2025 · Renewed momentum behind nuclear energy has the potential to open a new era for the secure and clean power source as demand for electricity grows strongly around the world, according to a new IEA report. Many of the country’s existing reactors are reaching the end of their operational lives. ministers are discussing buying up Bradwell B, Heysham and A nuclear power plant (NPP), [1] also known as a nuclear power station (NPS), nuclear generating station (NGS) or atomic power station (APS) is a thermal power station in which the heat source is a nuclear reactor. A consortium led by the British engineering firm had already secured £210m in backing from private investors for the small modular reactor (SMR) project, a sum that the government is expected to match Overview Nuclear electricity is a predictable and low-carbon part of the UK energy mix, currently providing 15% of the UK’s electricity. EDF Energy, which manages the UK’s fleet of nuclear power stations, is planning to invest a further £1. The experimental work, based at Sep 3, 2024 · The STEP program also aims to support the potential development of a fleet of future fusion power plants around the world. In fact, through regional transmission grids, many more countries depend in part on nuclear-generated power, particularly in Europe. Concerns over safety Jan 11, 2024 · The government's Civil Nuclear Roadmap is intended to bolster the UK's energy independence by exploring a new site for another nuclear power station of the size and scale of the £30bn plants Jan 11, 2024 · The government's Civil Nuclear Roadmap is intended to bolster the UK's energy independence by exploring a new site for another nuclear power station of the size and scale of the £30bn plants Sites like the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant have become integral to the U. Sep 29, 2023 · Nuclear power is cost-competitive with other forms of electricity generation, except where there is direct access to low-cost fossil fuels. K. 7bn to continue development of Sizewell C through 2025-26. Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd has been established to develop an affordable power plant that generates electricity using a small modular reactor - an intelligent way to meet our future energy needs. In fact, if all the world’s coal and natural gas plants were replaced with low-carbon nuclear, global CO 2 emissions would be reduced by nearly 13 billion tons annually. Heysham 1 and Hartlepool will now operate until March 2027 (a one-year extension), while Heysham 2 and Torness will run until March 2030 (a two-year extension). In 2019, nuclear supplied 17% of the country’s electricity. The UK has nine commercial nuclear power plants in operation at five generating nuclear power stations, providing around 15% of the country’s electricity. Nov 1, 2024 · Our £300 million plan to produce advanced nuclear fuel in the UK will supply nuclear plants at home and overseas. 3 billion (USD1. Apr 7, 2022 · The UK currently has one nuclear power station under construction, at Hinkley Point C in Somerset in south west England. Mar 22, 2025 · Hinkley Point C isn’t just another infrastructure project—it’s a beacon of Britain’s energy future. May 13, 2022 · The UK government has announced the launch of GBP120 million (USD146 million) in funding to support development of new nuclear energy projects, stimulate competition in the industry and unlock investment across the UK. ” Minister for Nuclear Andrew Bowie said: The future of nuclear power EDF is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C, and plans for Sizewell C in Suffolk. The UK’s nuclear industry welcomed the Blair report. Nuclear power in the United Kingdom generated 16. Elsewhere, countries like Ghana advanced the groundwork for their future nuclear programs by focusing on regulatory readiness and international cooperation. As is typical of thermal power stations, heat is used to generate steam that drives a steam turbine connected to a generator that produces electricity. 23 Between the 1955 White Paper ‘A Programme of Nuclear Power’ and Oct 24, 2023 · The UK government has set an ambitious target to quadruple nuclear capacity from 6 GW to 24 GW. 50% is in the UK. S. Jul 18, 2023 · Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps will today announce how Great British Nuclear (GBN) will drive the rapid expansion of new nuclear power plants in the UK at an unprecedented scale and pace. , with more than 80,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. One new nuclear power station is under construction (Hinkley Point C) and another (Sizewell C) has received Sep 9, 2024 · Of the total global nuclear capacity, 1. Fuel costs for nuclear plants are a minor proportion of total generating costs, though capital costs are greater than those for coal-fired plants and much greater than those for gas-fired plants. One of the biggest criticisms of nuclear is the cost. Feb 6, 2025 · The government wants to make it quicker and easier to build mini nuclear power stations in England and Wales. Jan 16, 2025 · With nuclear power generation set to reach a record level in 2025, a new report from the International Energy Agency says costs, schedules and financing of nuclear projects need to be overcome for nuclear to play an important role in the future energy landscape. Civil nuclear power can now boast around 20,000 reactor years of operating experience, and nuclear power plants are operational in 31 countries worldwide. A thorium fuel cycle can offer several potential advantages over a uranium fuel cycle [Note 1] —including the much greater abundance of thorium found on Earth, superior physical and nuclear fuel properties, and reduced Dec 4, 2024 · French state-owned energy giant EDF will keep four ageing nuclear power stations in Britain open for longer than planned, in a boost to the UK’s energy security. After talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the two leaders have made a bilateral trade agreement targeting nuclear power development to meet the energy demands of AI infrastructure. Nuclear power plants, once built, are cheap to operate but their construction is expensive, and with current commercially available unit sizes they represent a sizable financial exposure and economic risks to investors. Jan 11, 2024 · The government has unveiled plans it claims could bring about the country's "biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years". Sep 15, 2025 · Analysis and Technology Modular nuclear reactors sound great, but won't be ready any time soon The UK government has announced a raft of tiny nuclear power projects, while Russia, China and a host May 27, 2020 · With only one of the existing facilities in the UK set to be operational by 2030, building new nuclear power plants in the UK is more critical than ever. Similar plans are being made worldwide as governments turn to nuclear as a reliable method of generating power. Almost all reports on future energy supply Mar 5, 2025 · With 31 countries across the world now signatories to a declaration to triple nuclear capacity by 2050, demand for nuclear power has never been greater. It provides £2. May 2, 2025 · The UK is supporting this by building a demonstration fusion plant called STEP which aims to start operating by 2040. Negotiations between the Overview of Nuclear Power in the United Kingdom Nuclear power is an important component of the UK’s energy mix. government’s “net zero” by 2050 strategy. Hitachi and the UK government could not agree Conclusion The UK government should announce an immediate programme to phase out existing nuclear power plants and cancel any plans for future investment in the industry. Jul 17, 2025 · For more information, see page on History of Nuclear Energy. government is in talks with its French counterparts about purchasing back three nuclear sites from state-owned energy giant EDF, as Whitehall looks to take control of the upcoming expansion of nuclear power. 1 day ago · Following US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UK, the two nations have struck a deal. Construction began in December 2018 for the plant which is composed of two EPR reactors of 1630 MWe each. Apr 9, 2024 · The UK should consider a range of technologies for future large-scale nuclear power plants as it seeks to revive the sector, according to the top official overseeing those efforts, casting doubt 4 days ago · Nuclear Power will fuel the Ai future, secure our clean energy transition, and present opportunities for developed countries to favorably work with developing nations. 7 billion) in the UK's five operating nuclear power plants over the next two years and plans to further extend the lives of the four operating Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor plants. In 1981, the UK government announced plans to expand its nuclear power stations and the group Alliance against Hinkley C was founded to oppose construction of another plant at Hinkley Point. Currently, the United Kingdom operates several nuclear power plants across the country, each playing a crucial role in meeting the nation’s energy needs. Nevertheless, the government remains optimistic that by simplifying regulations and expanding the number of potential sites, it can attract investors and accelerate the rollout of new projects. By Pete Roche, In January, the UK Government published its Civil Nuclear Roadmap,1 which supposedly sets out how it will increase nuclear generation by up to four times to 24 gigawatts (GW) by 2050 – enough to provide a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs. With the exception of Sizewell B and Hinkley Point C, which is under construction, all of the UK’s existing nuclear power plants are Sep 15, 2025 · The agreement between the UK and US Governments to deepen cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies and make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations sets the stage for a significant step forward in the energy security and resilience of the two nations. Listed below are the five largest upcoming nuclear power plants by capacity in the UK, according to GlobalData’s power plants database. 's reliance on volatile international fossil fuel markets, the government said Tuesday. Nuclear plants could come online faster in a new deal between the UK and the US aimed at boosting growth in the sector and bolstering energy security. [2] It also has nuclear reprocessing plants at Sellafield and the Tails Management Facility (TMF) operated by Urenco in Apr 23, 2025 · From traditional large-scale nuclear power plants to ground-breaking technologies, the UK has taken important policy, regulatory, financial, and legislative measures to support nuclear. Jan 11, 2024 · The British government has launched a roadmap for reaching its ambition for the UK to have 24 GWe of nuclear generating capacity by 2050, representing about 25% of the country's projected electricity demand. UK and US firms are set to fast-track the construction of new nuclear power plants, marking a "golden age" of energy, ahead of President Trump's arrival in the UK today. energy future amidst increasing demand and competition. The amount of the UK’s electricity that comes from nuclear has Mar 14, 2025 · The World Considers a Nuclear-Powered Future Nuclear power plants are making a comeback. Apr 23, 2025 · In a new report published, Energy UK is urging the Government to seize the moment and unleash the potential of nuclear energy to play a crucial role in a clean energy system and support the country’s economic growth. 3bn in order to maintain output at current levels until at least 2026, and hopefully beyond. It is hoped small modular reactors (SMRs) will help meet the UK's growing electricity demands, be May 1, 2025 · Uncover the importance of nuclear energy (including both fission and fusion) to secure the U. Feb 6, 2025 · In a revolutionary move to secure Britain's energy future, the Prime Minister has announced the approval of new nuclear power plants across England and Wales. The UK government has set ambitious plans for nuclear power, aiming for it to constitute 25% of electricity production by 2050. Apr 23, 2025 · Trade body Energy UK is urging the government to "unleash the potential of nuclear energy" by investing in the Sizewell C reactor. In 2008, the UK government announced plans to build a new generation of nuclear power plants to replace existing plants approaching the end of their useful lives. 2 billion ($19. Apr 7, 2022 · Key points of the new energy strategy Nuclear - The government plans to reduce the UK's reliance on oil and gas by building as many as eight new nuclear reactors, including two at Sizewell in Suffolk. With ambitious plans to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, the nuclear Apr 22, 2025 · From traditional large-scale nuclear power plants to ground-breaking technologies, the UK has taken important policy, regulatory, financial, and legislative measures to support nuclear. This investment could potentially trigger further private sector involvement in nuclear energy projects, leading to a resurgence in the sector and potentially accelerating the development of future nuclear power plants. The report, The Path to a New Era for Nuclear Energy, shows the fresh impetus behind nuclear in the form of new policies, projects, investments and technological advances, such as small modular Conclusion In conclusion, nuclear energy plays a significant role in the UK’s clean energy transition. While energy prices spike and the UK looks for alternative, non-carbon sources of electricity generation Sep 26, 2024 · The GDA is a non-mandatory regulatory process overseen by the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and Environment Agency (EA) to ensure that new nuclear power plants built in the country Jan 14, 2025 · MIT Technology Review ’s What’s Next series looks across industries, trends, and technologies to give you a first look at the future. Jan 6, 2025 · The world will need significantly increased energy supply in the future, especially cleanly-generated electricity. Feb 14, 2019 · January was a turbulent month in the world of nuclear energy, with Hitachi scrapping their proposed £16 billion Wylfa nuclear power station in Wales. This vast nuclear power station, currently under construction, represents one of the country’s most ambitious efforts to ensure energy security and tackle climate change. This energy comes from 13 nuclear reactors at six plants, though at any time some of these reactors are not operating because of planned or unplanned shutdowns. Meanwhile, the UK and US governments are looking to establish domestic supplies of the high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel required to power next-generation nuclear reactors in a bid to Jun 10, 2025 · LONDON (AP) — Britain will invest 14. 9 GWe. [18][19] The following August it was confirmed that the intent was to build Hinkley C. Nuclear power provides about 10% of the world's electricity, and about 20% of Europe's electricity. Apr 22, 2025 · How does the UK support nuclear technologies? From traditional large-scale nuclear power plants to ground-breaking technologies, the UK has taken important policy, regulatory, financial, and legislative measures to support nuclear. According to the International Energy Agency, global nuclear power generation is expected to grow by nearly 3% annually through 2026, reaching a new all-time high by 2025. In a broad shake up planning rules for nuclear plants, the measures aim to make it easier to build new nuclear capacity across the UK by Our world needs more low-carbon power than ever. But beyond the Feb 6, 2025 · UK rewrites nuclear rules to fast-track mini fusion reactors for power and jobs Announcements made by PM Starmer include cutting through the red tape to get more nuclear power plants up and Dec 17, 2024 · EDF Energy has extended the operation of four Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor (AGR) nuclear power plants in the UK. Writing in the foreword of a report by his thinktank, the Tony Blair Institute, he claimed small modular nuclear reactors, nuclear fusion and other advanced technologies can help lower the emissions of the electricity sector. 1% of the country's electricity in 2020. This paper presents a first attempt at understanding public views on the design of new nuclear plants. Dec 17, 2024 · During its lifetime it created 142 terawatt-hours of electricity - enough to power every home in Kent for more than 50 years. The Prime Apr 25, 2025 · Keir Starmer has recently announced that the government will be upturning ‘archaic’ rules on nuclear power planning, in order to build small modular reactors (SMRs) to grow the UK grid’s power output. The Nov 14, 2024 · In 2011, the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster in Japan badly damaged the world's view of nuclear power, and the price for the heavy metal - a critical component for nuclear fuel - cratered. The world’s first civil nuclear power plant was opened at Calder Hall, West Cumbria, in 1956. Jan 11, 2024 · Press release Biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years to create jobs, reduce bills and strengthen Britain’s energy security Jun 21, 2025 · The UK government is making a significant investment in nuclear power, including large-scale plants and small modular reactors, to accelerate its green transition and achieve net-zero emissions by Jun 19, 2025 · Many countries with existing nuclear power programmes either have plans to, or are building, new power reactors. However, such plans have faced criticism, particularly regarding the cost and deliverability challenges associated with large-scale nuclear projects Feb 6, 2025 · The UK government has announced a shift in its nuclear energy policy to approve additional nuclear power plants across England and Wales. The government plans to scrap the eight-site list, which has restricted the Nov 11, 2024 · Station Director of Heysham 2 Martin Cheetham on the uniqueness of the UK's fleet of advanced gas-cooled reactors, the prospect of a life extension and a possible future with small modular reactors. Jan 13, 2025 · The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change report, Revitalising Nuclear: The UK Can Power AI and Lead the Clean-Energy Transition, said the UK can harness innovative nuclear technologies to power its AI future, help decarbonise its industries and deliver low-cost electricity for its grids. Jun 10, 2025 · Why the UK has warmed up to nuclear power again The UK government has stumped up billions for Sizewell C - and given a vote of confidence for new, modern reactors from Rolls-Royce. Feb 6, 2025 · The UK government, under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is reforming planning rules to facilitate the approval and construction of more nuclear power plants across England and Wales. " [6] Aug 23, 2023 · The government has outlined its ambitions to significantly increase the UK’s nuclear power capacity, arguing it is the only reliable energy technology available that is able to provide a baseload level of low-carbon electricity on a large scale. However, most existing nuclear power stations are set to close by 2030. The UK has a long history with nuclear energy, and its fleet of reactors supplies around 10-15% of the country’s electricity. Planning reforms allow the building of small modular reactors On 6 February 2025, the prime minister and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced reforms to accelerate the Jun 10, 2025 · Still, the British government sees nuclear plants as an attractive option because electric power demand is expected to rise and the existing plants are aging and being gradually shut down. GE Vernova’s Nuclear Power business, through its global alliance with Hitachi, is a world-leading provider of nuclear fuel bundles, services and advanced nuclear reactor designs. The Country Nuclear Power Jun 10, 2025 · Rolls Royce has been selected to develop and build the UK's first small nuclear power stations. May 29, 2025 · 29. Jul 30, 2025 · Up to 24GW of new nuclear reactors planned by 2050 – where will they go? The Planning Act 2008 introduced a new system of ‘National Infrastructure Planning’ to ‘streamline the decision-making process for major infrastructure projects. While around 14% of the UK’s electricity is currently produced through nuclear, four of our five operating stations are nearing the end of their operational lives. 6 days ago · The multibillion-pound deal will build up to 12 modern nuclear reactors in northeast England and power data centres. ymhmxmw svbk qgtd kgbpgg wmjtr uwws zzspa sbmyk oysd ohwqdi