Energy strategy aims for domestic supply of low carbon energy

In it, the government has set out how the UK will accelerate the deployment of wind, new nuclear, solar and hydrogen, whilst supporting the production of domestic oil and gas in the near term.

The strategy will see a significant acceleration of nuclear, with an ambition of up to 24GW by 2050, which would represent a quarter of the UK’s projected electricity demand. Small Modular Reactors will form a key part of the nuclear project pipeline, pending technology readiness.

A new government body - Great British Nuclear - will be established to bring new projects forward. Also set to launch is a £120m Future Nuclear Enabling Fund aimed at providing targeted support to address barriers to entry. Up to eight new nuclear reactors could be delivered via the strategy by the end of the decade.

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“The new nuclear target of 24GW by 2050 is a vital step forward for UK energy security and our net zero future. This investment will also create tens of thousands of jobs across the country. The ambition and determination to do much more and quicker is very welcome,” commented Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the UK Nuclear Industry Association.