Government launches Great British Nuclear
Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps has announced the launch of Great British Nuclear (GBN), a new body to drive rapid expansion of new nuclear power plants in the UK.
The government say this will boost UK energy security, reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel imports, create more affordable power and grow the economy, with the nuclear industry estimated to generate around £6 billion for the UK economy.
Companies are encouraged to register their interest with GBN to participate in a competition to secure funding support to develop their products. This includes investment in small modular reactor (SMR) projects.
Unlike conventional reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster, and less expensive.
The government has also committed to the existing projects at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C and say they will work with GBN to consider the potential role of further large gigawatt-scale nuclear power plants in the UK energy mix.
Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:
"Britain has a rich history as a pioneer of nuclear power, having launched the era of civil nuclear power - and I’m proud to be turbocharging its revival and placing our country once again at the forefront of global innovation.
"By rapidly boosting our homegrown supply of nuclear and other clean, reliable, and abundant energy, we will drive down bills for British homes and make sure the UK is never held to energy ransom by tyrants like Putin.
"Today, as we open Great British Nuclear and the competition to develop cutting-edge small modular reactor technology, which could result in billions of pounds of public and private sector investment, we are seeing the first brush strokes of our nuclear power renaissance to power up Britain and grow our economy for decades to come."
Minister for Nuclear Andrew Bowie said:
"As long-standing pioneers of nuclear, today we’re marking its UK revival with the opening of Great British Nuclear, which will play an essential role in transforming the way we power Britain from Britain.
"I look forward to seeing the world-class designs submitted from all around the world through the competitive selection process, as the UK takes its place front and centre in the global race to unleash a new generation of nuclear technology."
Simon Bowen, interim chair of GBN said:
"GBN is core to delivering the government’s new nuclear programme.
"Building on the work done at Hinkley Point and Sizewell, today’s announcement of the start of the SMR selection process signifies a real step forward in delivering the scale of nuclear power that Britain needs for secure, sustainable energy future.
"We look forward to working with all interested parties – technology vendors, the supply chain, the wider industry and local communities as we move this essential programme forward."
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