Nuclear power industry urges regulation reforms

The Government is being urged to help ensure the UK’s nuclear power industry can reclaim its place as a global leader.

The Nuclear Industry Association said it was exactly 70 years ago that the world’s first full-scale commercial nuclear power station, Calder Hall, opened.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said the milestone had showed the world what nuclear power could achieve.

“For seventy years, nuclear has served as the backbone of the UK’s electricity mix. Our fleet has also provided tens of thousands of high-paid, high-skilled jobs and contributed well over £100 billion to the UK economy.”

The association welcomed the UK Government’s backing for Advanced Nuclear Technologies and Small Modular Reactors.

But it said the UK’s ambitions on nuclear can only be achieved if the UK fully implements the Nuclear Regulatory Review which it said would update outdated regulations to cut costs and delivery timelines.

“With these reforms, we can deliver the next generation of nuclear at pace, strengthen our energy security and reduce our reliance on gas,” said Greatrex.