Nuclear Hinkley

With Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C moving forward, and announcement such as that by Rolls Royce surrounding their desire to deliver new reactors as part of a consortium there is a real buzz within the nuclear sector at present – and it could be crucial to enabling the UK to achieve net zero. Ahead of our Nuclear Development Conference we’ve been speaking to Tim Stone – Chair of the Nuclear Industry Association – around their role in driving growth in the sector, fusion power and how there will be no net zero without nuclear….

Q. How does the Nuclear Industry Association represent businesses across the Nuclear supply chain?

With more than 200 members large and small, from decommissioning to new build projects, we represent the full breadth of UK civil nuclear industry. We act as their voice to the media, to Parliament and to the public, making the case for nuclear to meet our environmental and economic goals at the same time. We run an extensive Business Group programme to keep leaders briefed on the latest industry developments and business opportunities, and we run a Trade Directory so members can search for products and services and get seen by the right people.

That combination of advocacy and everyday support opens doors and helps mobilise investment for members across the supply chain.

Q. Where do you see the general direction of the UK’s nuclear industry over the next ten years? [emaillocker id=”71749″]

Nuclear has a vital role to play in the rebuilding of the UK’s energy system to achieve Net Zero. The latest White Paper suggests 40GW of nuclear in the mix and it is entirely likely, as the role of nuclear in hydrogen production increases that the proportion of nuclear in the energy mix will increase further.

Q. The UK is one of the world’s leaders in Fusion power, how will fusion power revolutionise the UK’s energy future?

In the longer term, the UK’s world-leading status in nuclear fusion will continue to grow. Fusion has the potential for a disruption on the scale of the computer chip.

Q. What potential do you see in Small Modular Reactors to revolutionise the UK’s Nuclear Power Industry?

The critical issue in achieving Net Zero is the speed of build of new sources of energy. Small Modular Reactors, especially in a modularly built power station could deliver GW/year quickly and reliably and could become a major source of low-carbon energy in the medium term. There is great promise here which the UK Government have now provided the first step of material support.

Q. What is the case for Nuclear as a green energy source and how can it enable the UK to meet its zero carbon commitments?

We have to rebuild the whole of the energy system in the UK. To do this, there’s no silver bullet and importantly we need to design a system – with the meaning of that word which engineers will understand. Nuclear, along with renewables and steam reformed methane is one of only three sources of low-carbon energy and today, one of only two which are deployable at GW scale. No nuclear, no Net Zero.

Q. How can Nuclear power be a catalyst for surrounding development and creating an economic locus?

Nuclear jobs are long lasting and very high quality. Today, the average GVA of nuclear jobs is around £96,000 per job. Most of those jobs are not in the South East and will contribute significantly to the vital task of levelling up.

Q. What are you most anticipating about the upcoming Nuclear Power Conference?

The opportunity to be part of a good discussion and to help others understand the essential role which nuclear has to play in creating an economically competitive future for the UK.

Register for the Nuclear Development Conference here: https://www.built-environment-networking.com/event/nuclear-power-conference/

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