Comment on Great British Nuclear

Commenting on a Government announcement on how Great British Nuclear (GBN) will lead to the expansion of new nuclear power plants in the UK [1], Jess Ralston, Head of Energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said: “A number of experts, including the Climate Change Committee, see a role for nuclear in removing gas from our power system, but with SMRs yet to be deployed and larger plants like Hinkley over-budget and delayed, it’s difficult to predict exactly what the costs and timescales might be for future endeavours. The Office for Budget Responsibility has said the high upfront costs of nuclear could leave us with a £170bn bill.

“Despite slight cost increases given current inflation levels, British renewables will remain much cheaper than both gas and nuclear. There are questions over whether Government has taken its eye off the ball for the current Contracts for Difference auction round for wind farms, imposing too tight restrictions and so limiting the projects that might get built. Where Government places its focus is important for green investment from businesses, and clearly rapidly building out renewables is the best deal for the UK tax or billpayer.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Government announcement on Great British Nuclear will be on 18 July.

For more information:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net