On Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer will unveil new plans to improve the planning system for nuclear power stations in England and Wales. The UK Prime Minister aims to simplify the process to encourage the development of smaller nuclear reactors, which can be built more quickly than traditional larger ones.
The proposed changes will eliminate a specific list of eight preferred sites for larger nuclear projects, allowing developers more freedom regarding where to establish new facilities. Additionally, the government plans to remove the expiration date on nuclear planning rules, preventing projects from becoming “timed out.”
A new Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce will also be set up to enhance regulations, making it easier for companies to pursue nuclear projects. Starmer passionately states that the country has not built a nuclear power station in many years, asserting that “we’ve been let down and left behind,” and expresses his commitment to supporting the builders of the nation.
Currently, only one new nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C in Somerset, is under construction, managed by EDF in France. However, its development has faced significant delays and budget overruns. Initially expected to start generating energy in late 2025, it is now projected to begin production no earlier than 2029, with costs ballooning to £46 billion, compared to the original estimate of £18 billion.
Plans for a second project at Sizewell in Suffolk are also lagging, as EDF and the British government work to secure large investments from private sources. Meanwhile, the government has shown indecision about a potential third project at Wylfa in Anglesey, despite having acquired the site from the Japanese company Hitachi last year.
The government is currently in the process of selecting private companies to receive state support for developing small modular reactors, with these new reactors set to be integrated into the planning regulations for the first time. Even with these changes, the government has stated its commitment to maintaining rigorous nuclear safety standards. This push follows the selection of four companies—Rolls-Royce, Holtec Britain, GE Hitachi, and Westinghouse Electric—to negotiate for potential government support in developing their nuclear technologies.