Urenco response to Government’s ‘Green Day’

The Government has today revealed further details about its plans for UK nuclear energy capacity on its so called Energy Security Day of announcements, March 30. 

Great British Nuclear is to become an arms-length body responsible for “driving the delivery of new nuclear projects…backed with the funding it needs”. 

GBN’s interim Chair has been announced as industry adviser Simon Bowen, while its interim CEO will be Gwen Parry-Jones, currently of Magnox. 

It will commence a competition for the country’s first small modular reactors (SMRs) in April, with the ambition of selecting the best technologies by Autumn this year. The Government says it is to co-fund the winners through their development. 

Meanwhile, the Government has confirmed that nuclear – as a key technology within the UK’s pathways to reach net zero – will be included within a UK Green Taxonomy, subject to a consultation expected in the Autumn. This would allow it to harness the same investment incentives as renewable energy. 

After the Taxonomy is approved, companies will have to report voluntarily against it for two years before mandatory reporting is explored in more detail. 

Emilie Isaacs, Head of Government Affairs for Urenco, said: 

“The Government’s announcements as part of the ‘Powering Up Britain’ blueprint will transform the delivery and deployment of new nuclear in the UK and provides welcome clarity on GBN’s duties and project timeframes.  

“It is very encouraging that we are seeing GBN take on an important role in helping to deliver new nuclear capacity through SMRs while improvements in the conditions for investment into nuclear projects are also given a helping hand.

“It is vital that these plans come to fruition as we progress on the journey to net zero and energy security in the UK.”
 

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