Evelyn Adams

Why you shouldn't rule out a career in nuclear

In-Depth

Despite continuing doubts over Hinkley Point, there are still significant opportunities in the UK nuclear sector. Evelyn Adams reports

The uncertainty over Hinkley Point C has been dominating headlines in recent months. Despite a deal from 2013, the future of the proposed £18bn nuclear power station remains unknown. There are concerns about the technology, and of EDF’s financial commitment to the project. Last month (March 2016), EDF announced that a decision on the power station will take place in May – and there are real fears that the ambitious project could be scrapped.

While the Hinkley saga might make it seem as if the UK’s commitment to nuclear power is waning, the industry insists that this is far from the case.

At the moment, the UK boasts 16 reactors with a combined electricity-generating capacity of 10GW. In total, these reactors create a sixth of the UK’s electricity, and all but one is due to retire in just seven years. To replace them, £45bn is due to be invested in the first three nuclear power plants that will be built – if plans go ahead – in Somerset, Anglesey and Cumbria.

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