Of all the nonsense about nuclear power that one hears, the idea that somehow it is planning problems rather than financial issues that stop its development surely takes the biscuit. The Government bats away any formal planning objection made to its nuclear plant when companies want to build them. Yet the UK government is flogging nuclear planning problems as a scapegoat for the technology’s failure for all it is worth. And it is talking about the non-existent concept of small modular reactors. Is this a smokescreen to hide its problems with financing Sizewell C? There was a silly story published in most leading newspapers about the proposed Wylfa plant in North Wales being knocked back in 2019 because of ‘language’ objections. The reality was that the proposal was scrapped for financial reasons. This involved the Government being unable to offer enough incentives to keep Hitachi interested in developing the project. In January 2019 the BBC reported that ‘Japanese tech giant Hitachi said it was suspending construction of the new plant in north Wales as the project’s cost continues to spiral.’. The National Grid cancelled plans for pylons needed for the project.
Dave Toke’s Blog 8th Feb 2025 read more »
Letter: Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to sweep aside nimbyism and build nuclear reactors all over England (report, February 6). He wants the country to be “one of the world leaders on nuclear”. This is great news – and he and Labour should be commended. This policy will create thousands of highly skilled jobs, boost economic growth, provide more clean energy and guarantee energy security. It will be good for the climate, too, as we will need a source of clean energy to replace fossil fuels. The best and most reliable source of clean energy we have is nuclear power, which isn’t dependent on the weather. It also requires less land and material.
Telegraph 9th Feb 2025 read more »
Letter: If the PM is serious about fighting nuclear nimbyism, a good start would be to abolish Great British Nuclear. Its only achievement so far seems to have been to delay progress on small modular reactors (SMRs). The announcement of an immediate large contract with Rolls-Royce would assist with several of his objectives, including energy security, net zero and economic growth. It might even raise morale.
Telegraph 9th Feb 2025 read more »
Letter: Instead of sweeping aside nimbys and other “blockers” to possible nuclear power plant construction, why doesn’t the Government use some common sense and put SMRs on the sites of decommissioned coal-fired power stations, like Ratcliffe-on-Soar? Hopefully many will still have National Grid connections in place, alleviating another major problem. Not only would SMRs be easier to construct than conventional nuclear power plants, they could also provide much-needed investment in companies like Rolls-Royce.
Telegraph 9th Feb 2025 read more »
