EDITOR’S OPINION: Winning over nuclear sceptics
The UK economy might be flat-lining, but that has not discouraged the government from doubling down on its commitment to growth. To realise its ambitions, Ministers have declared a war on nimbyism, saying they are determined to overcome planning objections and combat those who may object to the advancement of country-wide housing developments and construction projects.
It seems that one of the key elements of the growth strategy is to look to the future and embrace the uncertain world of Al. It is hoped that some of the global digital behemoths can be persuaded to look favourably on these shores and put some money behind the establishment of data centres and transmission networks. The number of jobs that will either be created or destroyed as a result of such endeavours is difficult to predict, but it is widely assumed that their power-intensive activities will represent a significant drain on the nation’s energy supply. With the ongoing efforts to ensure that we are not overly reliant on energy imported from overseas, can the grid cope with such a surge in demand?
The growing urgency to address the issue is perhaps partly behind the government’s recent pledge to “rip up the rules” by allowing a new breed of mini nuclear reactors to be built in the UK for the first time. The development of these small modular reactors (SMRs) means that nuclear power plants need to no longer be restricted to coastal areas, where there is a ready supply of water, and can instead be situated to nearby reservoirs and rivers.
It’s easy to see why politicians might be excited by the thought of a reliable source of affordable low-carbon electricity, but unfortunately the word ‘nuclear’ continues to conjure up negative thoughts for much of the population. It’s one thing overcoming local opposition to a new housing development, but there could be much bigger battles to be fought over the construction of a nuclear power plant just up the road.
It is thought that households close to nuclear sites might be enticed by the prospect of lower energy bills. However, while SMRs may be based on existing technology, their commercial viability is still yet to be proven and they remain largely untested in other parts of the world. Unless the government can provide a convincing case for their safety and address the issue of nuclear waste management, then it is hard to see how they can win over the sceptics.
Those who remain unconvinced by arguments for more nuclear power might be consoled by the time it has so far taken to get other nuclear projects up and running. Hinkley Point C, which was originally planned to produce electricity in 2017 has been beset by delays and cost increases and is now unlikely to be completed before 2030. As much as the Labour government may be keen to press on the nuclear accelerator, they are likely to have to dodge quite a few obstacles on the road ahead.
• Chris Jones, managing editor
