NUCLEAR POLICY | BUILDING A NUCLEAR LANDSCAPE nuclear politics Navigating
A stark contrast is emerging between the global call to phase out fossil fuels and the challenges faced in aligning nations towards a climate-friendly future. What is the interrelationship of these two narratives, the global challenges in combating climate change, and the implications for nuclear energy ambitions
By Olivia White, Associate Director, Cavendish Consulting
THERE IS CLEAR RECOGNITION OF the need to accelerate the deployment of low and zero-emission technologies, including nuclear, as a key approach for a deep, rapid and sustained reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The international discourse intersects with the recent research commissioned by Cavendish Consulting in collaboration with the Nuclear Industry Association and involved a survey of MPs from across the UK to help understand their views on new nuclear and support for advanced nuclear technology.
MP support for advanced nuclear technology The UK government has ambitions to deliver 24 GW of installed nuclear energy capacity by 2050. That’s almost double the highest installed capacity the UK has ever achieved. Against this is a backdrop of much of the aging existing nuclear fleet due to be decommissioned within the coming decade. Given this, such an aspiration needs significant political support both on the national level, driving policy, and locally to support developments. So, where are UK politicians regarding the need for nuclear?
The report helps to understand MPs’ views on new
nuclear power and the extent to which they would support or oppose the development of new advanced nuclear technologies within their constituencies. It also outlines how MPs perceive benefits and identifies their most significant concerns about hosting new nuclear in their constituencies. The research revealed that over two-thirds (68%) of UK MPs support advanced nuclear technology in their constituencies, with 88% of Conservative MPs and 54% of Labour MPs in favour of nuclear. Cavendish Consulting’s separate research on MPs’ views
on net zero (conducted by YouGov) found nuclear energy is the top energy source that MPs believe the Government should increase support for development. A central strand of their support is the progress of new technology in small modular (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs). In theory, quicker and cheaper to build, with less community impact, these technologies are an attractive addition to the net zero market. This appetite has also been shown in UK Government policy, from the progression of Sizewell C and the creation
Above: A survey of UK policymakers found a broad baseline of support for new nuclear development 34 | January 2024 |
www.neimagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
