Please Government - don't miss the chance (again!) to re-invigorate our nuclear sector!
Dalton Nuclear Institute
We bring together the UK's largest academic nuclear research capability
Professor Adrian Bull MBE, Hon FNucI , BNFL Chair in Nuclear Energy and Society?at 英国曼彻斯特大学 responds to the latest news on Government support for SMR development.
The news over the weekend that Government plans to support SMR development in the UK could be significantly delayed is – sadly – as unexpected as it is disappointing. The bold words from Government on their support for nuclear and the recognition that it is a vital part of any credible roadmap to Net Zero have repeatedly failed to be matched by corresponding action (and more importantly – money).?
It’s obviously a difficult time for Government to be making significant long term investments in infrastructure – nobody can have failed to notice the cost of living crisis, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the ever-present series of strikes across the nation. But if the Government really are serious about the Net Zero commitment, so vital to preserving the environment for future generations, then they simply can’t afford to wait until calmer, more prosperous times to fund it.?
Whilst there was ￡700m of (welcome and long-awaited) Government funding announced before Christmas for the Sizewell C project in Suffolk, officials have previously claimed that the support for such large reactors was just one part of a multi-stranded approach – also including SMRs and more advanced HTGRs. If it turns out that the money for nuclear has now essentially run out, then Government must say so – and allow the industry players to seek other channels for SMR development (at home or abroad) rather than being left in limbo. And progress must continue to facilitate the development of HTGR and other advanced concepts too.?Perhaps the first thing we need to see though, is the establishment of Great British Nuclear. The long-promised body to oversee the nuclear programme. If that has the powers and teeth it needs – we could be in good shape. If not – it’ll be yet another opportunity missed and more time wasted.
More details on Dalton’s work in this area can be found in our recent papers on the Role of Government in Delivering New Nuclear, and on the Financing of Nuclear Projects, available at: https://www.dalton.manchester.ac.uk/connect/policy-engagement/
Engineering Manager
2 年This would be a tragedy, i sincerely hope this is just government jitters and not political point scoring
Accomplished process engineer working within energy recovery/energy from waste
2 年Disappointing if true.
Retired Manager: Radiobiology and Health, Chalk River Laboratory, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (formerly AECL)
2 年Fully agree with your comments. The U.K. one of only a few countries that has long term experience of SMRs for the navy will quickly be overtaken by other countries including Canada. Once again we will end up dependent upon foreign designs and suppliers.
Corporate, media and issues management, corporate image management. Social Media marketing. Director, Radio Warrington.
2 年Excellent Adrian. A real worry regarding government dalliance on all things nuclear. Over many years now, UK governments have failed regarding any form of nuclear policy. In fact, the only consistency, is that failure.