Nuclear Power – the term has been overused to such an extent that it is beginning to sound like a buzzword, a hollow slogan, rather than a serious energy solution that is desperately needed in today’s times. With the climate crisis at large, nuclear was once thought of as a promising solution that could provide clean, reliable energy without the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuels. However as noticed by many, there hasn’t been any noticeable progression into more of a nuclear future within the UK. Or, perhaps, it may just be that there are major developments occurring behind the scenes.
Currently, the UK’s nuclear energy policies focus on expanding its nuclear capacity to support energy security and achieve net zero goals by 2050 with the aim to increase nuclear power generation to 24 GW by 2050, which would cover about 25% of the UK’s electricity needs.1 Although this appears promising, it is important to acknowledge that, at present, nuclear power constitutes less than a quarter of the intended target.2 To bridge this gap and make nuclear energy more accessible, the UK government has implemented several strategies aimed at accelerating nuclear development which include the construction of new nuclear projects such as Sizewell C and monitoring ongoing developments at Hinkley Point C.3 Another major advancement is the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) which are a new type of nuclear reactors that are, as their name suggests, smaller and easier to assemble. These will aid to diversify our nuclear capabilities. Small modular reactors (SMRs), have the capacity to generate up to 300 MW(e) of electricity per unit, which constitutes approximately one-third of the output of conventional nuclear power reactors. SMRs are capable of producing significant quantities of low-carbon energy. Characterised by their modular and compact design, they occupy a considerably smaller physical footprint, meaning the land could be possibly used for other means, compared to traditional nuclear power reactors. This attribute facilitates the factory assembly of systems and components, allowing them to be transported as a single unit to the installation site hence less difficulty in setting them up. 4
Often, improvements in one field aren’t enough to lead it to dominate the market and alternatives to nuclear do seem attractive due to their reputation and the lack of the need for further research. A clear example of this is solar energy, which has been available much longer, is generally considered safer, and benefits from existing infrastructure, making it a more attractive investment for any government. Unironically, the flaws of solar energy are very evident (along with other renewables): namely, its inconsistency and the large amounts of land that it consumes. Nuclear plants are recognised for their stability and continuous energy supply i.e. base load power (which is the normal amount of power that can be provided), regardless of weather conditions, a rather large concern for us in the UK means they can operate at high-capacity factors (often above 90%), resulting in more reliable electricity production. Furthermore, these kinds of plants have a relatively small physical footprint compared to the land required for solar or wind farms making them particularly effective in urbanised areas or regions with limited available land. Another key reason why nuclear stands out is that, although it has relatively high initial costs, the fuel it uses is very energy dense; one kilogram of Uranium generates approximately 20,000 more energy than a kilogram of coal. 5
While nuclear power has yet to take its place as a dominant player in the energy industry, it holds immense potential to contribute significantly to a sustainable future. The challenges facing its growth – whether it be public perception, regulatory hurdles, or initial costs – are not insurmountable. With innovations like Small Modular Reactors and renewed commitments from governments like the UK, there is hope for nuclear to overcome these barriers and emerge as a cornerstone of global energy strategies. To make this vision a reality, a balanced approach is required – one that not only addresses safety concerns but also leverages the unique strengths of nuclear power to complement existing renewable technologies. By continuing to push forward, nuclear energy may finally be poised to take its rightful place in the quest for a cleaner, more reliable energy future.
2 Current Nuclear Power output for the UK is 6.5 GW: https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-t-z/united-kingdom
4 https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-are-small-modular-reactors-smrs
5 https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/economic-aspects/economics-of-nuclear-power
