Should the UK expand its nuclear power capacity as part of its future energy mix?
The UK currently has nine operational nuclear reactors with around 5.9 GW capacity, generating about 12-15% of electricity, but over 80% of this is due to close by 2030 as ageing AGR plants are decommissioned. The government is pursuing a target of 24 GW by 2050 through projects like Hinkley Point C (due online around 2030) and Sizewell C, plus support for small modular reactors, as part of efforts to achieve energy security and net zero while many existing stations enter decommissioning.
7 Opinions
We can’t guarantee it won’t be attacked & if it was our gov would let the perpetrators out on bail. It’s too dangerous.
Yes, need a mix of power generation. Yes-but only if it's done efficiently. Look at Hinkley Point C-it has ballooned to nearly £50bn, making it one of the most expensive nuclear projects in the world. It’s an absolute indictment of our infrastructure record. What we pay in this country for major projects is completely detached from reality. We need strict oversight on builders and regulators, not just throwing endless blank checks at broken, delayed state contracts.
We need a full mix of power options, including nuclear.
We lost our leadership in this. We need to get it back, pronto. I started my career at the UKAEA at a site with 6 reactors (5 test beds and 1 on the grid). Now it does "clean energy innovation and decommissioning". Unless clean includes safe fusion and fission, that doesn't sound promising.
There are much cheaper, greener alternatives. We should however invest in strong R&D into Fusion tech.