May 21, 2021

Kwasi Kwarteng, UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, highlighted the role of nuclear power in a statement in the House of Commons this week to mark the sixth month since the publication of the first Minister Boris Johnson. 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution. During the ensuing debate, MPs asked Kwarteng about the government’s commitment to new nuclear construction.

Kwasi Kwarteng addressing MPs in the House of Commons on May 18 (Image: Parliamentlive.tv)

the 10 point plan, which Johnson unveiled last November, is “a radical and ambitious response” to the economic impact of COVID-19 and is expected to reduce UK emissions by 180 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent between 2023 and 2032 , Kwarteng said. It is also expected to create and support up to 250,000 jobs and leverage £ 12 billion ($ 17 billion) in public investment and up to three times as much from the private sector by 2030.

“We are investing in the UK’s most important asset – our workforce – to ensure our people have the skills they need to make the low carbon transition and thrive in high value jobs that it will create. This is the case with engineers and construction workers who will build new offshore wind farms and nuclear power plants to provide clean energy to our homes, to renovators who will make homes more comfortable and efficient, â€said Kwarteng.

Over the past year, the UK has recorded more than two months of coal-free power generation, “the longest streak since the industrial revolution,” he said. Two weeks ago, the country broke a new wind energy record, he added, with onshore and offshore wind turbines producing 48.5% of its electricity.

Since 10 point plan ‘s publication, the United Kingdom devoted its Sixth carbon budget in law, by proposing a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

“It’s a huge commitment, but a commitment that we are working extremely hard – thoroughly, indeed – to achieve,†said Kwarteng. “Our White Paper on Energy has set a comprehensive strategic vision for transforming the energy system consistent with reducing net emissions by 2050. We have also launched our ambitious new emissions trading program in the UK, for consultation later this year. “

Nuclear power, an “ essential partner ”

Charlotte Nichols, Labor MP for Warrington North, said thousands of her constituents work in the nuclear industry, which just this week saw students from Warrington University Technical College start prestigious internships at Sellafield in Warrington. This is proof, she said, that the sector is “a vital partner” in skills and upgrading programs, meeting the UK’s decarbonization targets and creating high quality green jobs. .

“The government has rightly concluded that we need a lot more nuclear power in the mix to reach net zero. However, under their watch, three large-scale nuclear projects were abandoned due to the lack of a funding mechanism, which the government claims have been working for four years. Why is nuclear funding more complicated than nuclear science? “

Charlotte nichols

Nichols was referring to the abandoned projects of Wylfa Newydd, Oldbury and Moorside, and the fact that EDF is awaiting the government’s decision on the basic regulated asset model proposed to finance its Sizewell C project. Last December, the government announced that he would enter into talks with EDF to allow an investment in Sizewell C. This announcement was part of the White Paper on Energy which describes “historic plans” to clean up the country’s energy system and “keep bills affordable” as it goes down to net zero.

Kwarteng replied that the third of the Prime Minister’s 10 points was “expressly committed to nuclear energy”.

“I was very happy, as Minister of Energy, to visit Hinkley Point Nuclear College. I regret not having made it to Sellafield. we are more committed to creating more nuclear energy in this country, â€he said.

Simon Fell, the Conservative Party MP for Barrow and Furness – the site of the second largest wind farm in the world – also asked about nuclear power.

Simon fell

the 10 point plan recognizes the “immense value” of local jobs in offshore wind generation, Fell said. “However, wind is not the only crucial source of renewable energy in Cumbria: nuclear is extremely important and, as the Honorable Member for Warrington North (Charlotte Nichols) said, we depend on it. mind, my right hon. friend update the House on the funding policy behind this to enable the creation of these jobs? “

Kwarteng said that “sensitive discussions are happening all the time.”

“The Prime Minister’s third point 10 point plan was all about nuclear power. He said explicitly that we are committed to making a decision on a factory before the end of Parliament. We are in discussions with operators and developers – very fruitful conversations, I might add – to achieve this, and we are still committed to increasing, not reducing, the capacity of nuclear power.

Research and writing by World Nuclear News