Nuclear power in the UK: how much, where, by when?
Following significant Government commitments on new nuclear, the Committee has heard in evidence from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero the clearest indication yet that the Government is considering developing a new “nuclear roadmap” for the United Kingdom.
In January 2024, the previous Government published Civil Nuclear: Roadmap to 2050, setting out an ambition for 24GW of nuclear power on the grid by 2050, including the delivery of 3–7GW of new capacity every five years between 2030 and 2044. Some experts described that 24GW target and associated build programme as more of a “wish list” than a fully developed strategy for achieving those ambitions.
While the current Government has not committed to that roadmap, it has continued to progress the delivery of new nuclear projects. Significant decisions have already been taken, including confirming £14 billion in public funding for Sizewell C; identifying Wylfa as the deployment site for the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors, where three Rolls-Royce SMRs are planned; and supporting the development of Advanced Modular Reactor technologies.
Meeting details
In the second oral evidence session of the Committee’s inquiry, Members will examine how the UK’s historic “stop-start” approach to nuclear development has affected the specialist skills base required to meet the country’s nuclear ambitions. The session will explore workforce planning, training pathways and supply chain capacity, and consider how greater continuity in project delivery could strengthen the long-term skills pipeline.