Inside Sir Keir Starmer's Plan to Revive UK Nuclear Energy

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are making waves in the energy sector, heralding a transformative era for nuclear power.

With their compact design and relatively low output, up to 300MWe each, SMRs introduce a new paradigm in nuclear energy—efficient, scalable, and safer than the large reactors of old.

Significant attention is now being directed towards these versatile units.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) recognises the increasing allure of SMRs amid growing investments and policy support in nuclear technologies.

Dubbed as a “gamechanger”, the IEA’s insights suggest these reactors are poised to redefine nuclear energy efficacy.

However, the path ahead involves addressing several persistent challenges, enhancing momentum and embracing policy reforms.

In an ambitious move, the UK government is actively cutting through bureaucratic delays to expedite the development of nuclear facilities, including SMRs.

With planning rule overhauls, more sites across England and Wales will be eligible for nuclear project development, marking a significant policy shift.

Why Starmer is rethinking the UK's approach to nuclear energy

Under the direction of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the UK is reshaping its nuclear policy landscape.

This strategic pivot involves amending the nation's planning frameworks to foster the construction of more nuclear power plants, notably SMRs, which are being considered for domestic development for the first time.

The creation of a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce aims to streamline regulations, encouraging quicker turnarounds for nuclear projects.

Business leaders like Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF in the UK, laud these changes.

“As a major operator, investor and developer, EDF welcomes the proposals designed to speed up new nuclear projects in the UK and unlock economic growth,” he says.

“Nuclear is essential to a secure, low carbon energy system and is the ideal partner to renewables. 

“There is a great opportunity to build new infrastructure across England and Wales, to replace aging stations and take advantage of available skills, existing grid connections and supportive communities.

“The opportunity will only be fully realised with the necessary reforms to planning and regulation, alongside continuing to build on the critical work at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C to further develop skills and supply chains.”

Meanwhile, Microsoft UK's CEO, Darren Hardman, also heralds the return of nuclear power to the UK.

“We welcome the government’s plans to accelerate the building of safe, modern nuclear as part of the energy mix," he says.

“Economic growth will require increased energy supply for the UK, but we must not lose sight of our ambitions for a fully decarbonised grid.”

The strategic and economic requirements

Enhancing energy security and saving energy ties influenced by external geopolitical factors are central to the UK's nuclear strategy.

By adapting regulations to international standards and broadening the scope for new technologies like SMRs, the government aims to end decades of stagnation in nuclear energy development and reduce susceptibility to erratic global energy prices.

These adjustments will also benefit the manufacturing and healthcare sectors by potentially situating SMRs near energy-demanding facilities, such as AI data centres, fostering an integrated approach to national energy management.

The government's narrative is one of decisiveness and transformation, with Sir Keir himself criticising past interactions and outlining a robust plan for national energy strategy revitalisation.

“This country hasn’t built a nuclear power station in decades. We've been let down and left behind," he explains.

“Our energy security has been hostage to Putin for too long, with British prices skyrocketing at his whims."

“I’m putting an end to it — changing the rules to back the builders of this nation and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long.

“My government was elected to deliver change. I’ll take the radical decisions needed to wrestle Britain from its status quo slumber, to turbocharge our plan for change.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband echoes this sentiment.

“Build, build, build — that is what Britain’s clean energy mission is all about," he explains.

“The British people have been left vulnerable to global energy markets for too long — and the only way out is to build our way to a new era of clean electricity.

A well-supported initiative

The government's initiative has garnered support from various industry leaders.

“Nuclear energy is a powerful tool for growing the UK’s economy," says Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Nuclear.

“By expanding the range of sites where safe, secure, reliable and clean nuclear energy plants can be built, there is huge potential to positively transform areas facing economic uncertainty.

“Today’s announcement also signals exciting opportunities to co-locate nuclear energy generation on data centre sites and to decarbonise industrial processes.

“Nuclear is one of the safest and cleanest forms of energy generation. The new independent nuclear regulation taskforce will help unlock growth and investment by providing clarity and certainty while ensuring regulations are fit for purpose,” Simon explains.

Likewise, Tom Greatrex of the Nuclear Industry Association, says: “Today’s announcement also signals exciting opportunities to co-locate nuclear energy generation on data centre sites and to decarbonise industrial processes."

“Nuclear is one of the safest and cleanest forms of energy generation," he continues.

"The new independent nuclear regulation taskforce will help unlock growth and investment by providing clarity and certainty while ensuring regulations are fit for purpose.”

Likewise, Cathal O'Rourke of Laing O'Rourke says: “This announcement is a significant step forward for the UK's nuclear industry. 

“The clarity provided by these new planning rules, the focus on streamlining the regulatory process and the emphasis on standardising reactor designs is precisely the sort of clear, unequivocal direction the industry needs.

“Having played a central role in delivering nuclear capacity at Hinkley Point C, we understand the complexities of these projects first-hand and these new measures, particularly around regulatory reform and streamlined planning, will be invaluable in ensuring future projects, like Sizewell C, can be delivered more efficiently and cost-effectively.

“This clear signal from government will unlock investment, create jobs nationwide for shared prosperity, including an ability to plan for long-term investment in apprenticeships, and ensure the UK can benefit from clean, locally supplied nuclear power for generations to come.”

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