March 2024
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This conference discussed next steps for developing the UK nuclear industry and its future role in the UK energy mix.
It brought stakeholders together with policymakers to examine opportunities and challenges for the industry going forward, in the context of the Civil Nuclear Roadmap to 2050 published in January 2023, which recommits government to its ambition of deploying up to 24GW of nuclear power by 2050, outlines how deployment is expected to happen and Government’s future role, alongside policy priorities for energy security and net zero.
Discussion considered the relationship between nuclear and renewable energy generation, and what is needed to achieve sufficient supply to meet demand and bolster energy security, as well as the role of nuclear in wider decarbonisation pathways and reducing electricity costs for consumers.
Delegates also discussed priorities for Great British Nuclear in its work to support scaling up the industry, and its funding and competitiveness, as well as innovation and GBN’s oversight of the tendering process for development of Small Modular Reactors.
The agenda also looked at government funding support and latest thinking on the strategy for stimulating private investment, examining the effectiveness of incentives under the RAB model, and implications for timescales and value for money in nuclear projects, including Sizewell C and Hinkley C.
We expect further discussion on next steps for infrastructure and planning, as well as practicalities for nuclear management, including storage and battery solutions, and latest thinking on safe and secure nuclear waste and disposal, and maintaining public confidence in the industry.
Further sessions assessed what will be needed from the Government’s Nuclear Skills Taskforce, and the role of private industry, in building the workforce capabilities needed for the sector, with nuclear industry employment reaching a 20-year high and further talent needed to meet the aims for added capacity and work on SMRs.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Chris Heffer, Director of Nuclear Power, Infrastructure and Decommissioning, DESNZ; Guy Esnouf, Director of Communications, Great British Nuclear; Sir Simon Bollom, Chair, Nuclear Skills Taskforce; and Joe Rippon, Head of Structural Financing, Sizewell C.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DESNZ; DBT; Defra; NIC; CCS; Department for the Economy, NI; DfT; DLUHC; EA; GLD; HMRC; HM Treasury; MCA; NAO; NIRO; The Planning Inspectorate; UKIB; and the Welsh Government.
