Government sets out advanced nuclear pipeline as Scotland for Nuclear Energy coalition launches

The Advanced Nuclear Framework is designed to accelerate the delivery of new nuclear by stimulating private investment in advanced reactors, as we report from the launch of the Scotland for nuclear campaign in Glasgow.

The Government has published its long-awaited Advanced Nuclear Framework, a first-of-its-kind plan which aims to stimulate private investment in advanced nuclear technologies, which has been welcomed across the industry.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “To speed up deployment of advanced nuclear and attract private investment, government is launching a “pipeline” of credible projects that meet essential readiness criteria. A “concierge-style” service will help developers understand requirements around UK planning, regulation and fuel, as well as enabling them to crowd-in private investment.”

The Framework will allow developers to submit proposals to join the pipeline from March this year, which will then by assessed by the government and Great British Energy-Nuclear “according to key criteria such as technology status, developer capability and financing plans.”

The Nuclear Minister Patrick Vallance said the government is “seizing the opportunity to become a frontrunner in this space” and Lord Livermore, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said the plans would “provide investors with the long-term confidence they need to back new nuclear” in the UK.

The announcement was welcomed by senior industry figures with the NIA’s CEO, Tom Greatrex, saying the framework provides “clarity and momentum” for advanced nuclear projects, adding that a “clear process by which projects can get an in-principle government endorsement is vital to unlocking private investment and giving developers the confidence to move from ambition to delivery.”

The government also issued a Statement on Civil Nuclear Fuel Use, which outlines the requirements for uranium-based fuels in civil nuclear reactors. The government says the statement provides “greater clarity” for the sector and “ensures alignment with national objectives for energy security, environmental protection, and long-term spent fuel and waste management.”

AGRs reach milestone as momentum builds in Scotland

Today marks 50 years since Hunterston B was connected to the grid, beginning decades of reliable, low-carbon electricity generation for Scotland. Just one day earlier, Hinkley Point B became the first Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor to connect to the grid.

Together, the AGR fleet has gone on to become the most productive and successful clean energy fleet in UK history. Over five decades, Hunterston B alone generated close to 300 TWh of zero-carbon power, enough to power every home in Scotland for around 30 years.

With Scottish Parliament elections just 90 days away, Scotland now faces a pivotal choice: build on this proven legacy or continue to exclude a secure, low-carbon technology from its future energy mix.  

Momentum is building. The Nuclear for Scotland coalition was launched last night in Glasgow at a packed event, underlining both the strength of support and the significant potential for new nuclear in Scotland. You can sign the petition here.

Sourse link: https://mailchi.mp/niauk.org/nia-weekly-newsletter-6-february?e=71266f2f19