Britain unveils timeline for massive expansion of nuclear power

The British government has published a plan to fulfil its nuclear ambitions. Its goal is to quadruple installed nuclear capacity to 24 GW by 2050. Power plants with this capacity will cover around 25% of the country's projected electricity consumption. The government also hopes that a clear timeline for key decisions will attract new investors. The Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant, with two EPR units, is currently under construction in the United Kingdom.

The British government has published a timeline for developing nuclear power through to 2050 on its website. According to the government, the timeline sets out plans for the biggest expansion of nuclear power in 70 years. The main aims are to reduce energy prices, support thousands of jobs and ensure the country's security of supply.

"Nuclear power is the perfect remedy for the energy challenges Britain faces. It is clean, cheaper in the long run and will ensure the United Kingdom's energy security over the longer term. This is another step in our commitment to nuclear power, which will set us on course to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in a measurable and sustainable way," British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.

The United Kingdom aims to increase installed nuclear capacity to 24 GW by 2050. The country currently has 5 nuclear units at four power plants, with total capacity of just over 6 GW (net). In addition to the goals outlined above, nuclear power is also expected to help the country achieve carbon neutrality.

"Government investment in nuclear power will ensure that the United Kingdom remains at the forefront of technological development. Our plans will give investors confidence to support new British projects, with a simpler process for identifying sites for new schemes and clear backing for private-sector companies developing innovative technologies," said Minister for Nuclear Andrew Bowie.

According to the government, the timeline also gives investors and the nuclear industry certainty about the United Kingdom's direction. In addition to new nuclear power sources, the country plans to invest in domestic production of nuclear fuel (HALEU) for new advanced nuclear reactors. The country plans to publish the next version of its nuclear plan by the end of 2025 at the latest.

3-7 GW of installed capacity every 5 years

The plan also includes the government's ambition to secure investment decisions for units with a capacity of 3 – 7 GW every 5 years from 2030 to 2044. In addition to building a new power plant at Sizewell C and developing small modular reactors, the country is planning another large nuclear power plant. Britain is currently building two EDF-type units with a total capacity of 3.2 GW at the Hinkley Point C power plant. The first is expected to come online in 2028.

"Strengthening our energy security means Britain will never again be forced to pay energy ransom to tyrants such as Vladimir Putin. British nuclear facilities, among the most reliable low-carbon energy sources around, will ensure that security," said Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Claire Coutinho.