Energy strategy must have deliverable framework for new nuclear not just ambitious goals

It has been reported that the government’s long-awaited energy strategy is to be published soon with an emphasis on building more nuclear power and more offshore wind.

 

The government is said to wish to push ahead with a new power station at Wylfa as well as Sizewell C, and five more large-scale power stations and additional Small Modular Reactors.

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said:

“The government is rightly emphasising the importance of new nuclear, promising significant backing in the forthcoming energy strategy and potentially seven new power stations. But we have been here before with a lot of talk but without the financial commitments needed to finally get moving.

“The energy strategy when it comes must provide not only ambitious goals but a framework for actually delivering them. The establishment of “Great British Nuclear” and direct investment would be a start but it also needs to look closely at the supply chain and how spending on new nuclear can provide jobs and skills in the UK.

“In particular, by supporting the at-risk Springfields Nuclear Fuels we can ensure sovereign capability in fuel production protecting vital jobs in the North West.”