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New nuclear projects ‘must evolve’ if nuclear energy is to play a significant role in a UK low carbon energy system

Energy Technologies Institute

3 min read

Traditional nuclear power projects delivering baseload electricity will have to adapt if nuclear is to grow a significant role in a future UK low carbon energy system, according to the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) as it releases a series of project reports into nuclear energy from its research portfolio.


Analysis carried out by the ETI has shown that new nuclear plants can form a major part of an affordable low carbon transition in the UK with potential roles for both large nuclear and small modular reactors (SMRs).

Large reactors are best suited for baseload electricity production, but actual deployment will be influenced by a number of factors – not all of them technical – and SMRs could fulfil an additional role in a UK low carbon energy system by delivering combined heat and power helping to decarbonise energy use in buildings.

The ETI evidence base on energy system planning indicates the best way forward is for the UK to seek to secure the delivery of a programme of contemporary large GW light water reactors.  However the nuclear industry has to articulate clearly its role in a changing energy system and also demonstrate realistic cost reduction in the ongoing development of nuclear power generation.

It also needs to understand how nuclear fits as part of the UK’s industrial strategy.

Mike Middleton, Strategy Manager for the ETI’s nuclear programme said:

“The UK benefits from an established knowledge base and supply chain in nuclear power plant operations, but there is competition for nuclear to prove itself economically against other low carbon options.

“There is a vibrant global start up mentality emerging in the nuclear power industry looking at how to develop alternatives to traditional large scale reactor provision.  However, it is yet to emerge whether nuclear will be constrained to traditional baseload generation or whether a broader role will develop to complement the growth of other low carbon technologies.”

“Evidence from projects carried out by the ETI has shown that SMRs could be cost-effective but further work is needed to improve the economics of their construction and operation. “

“There are also economic benefits from deploying SMRs as combined heat and power (CHP) plants to energise district heating networks so they should be deployed as CHP ready and such designs should address future energy system requirements to ensure they are fit for purpose to deliver power and heat giving system flexibility.”

Mike Middleton added:

“The requirement to innovate to improve the predictability and affordability of new nuclear power plants has never been stronger.”

The challenge to overcome is how new nuclear projects are financed so they move away from overseas and government equity funding schemes such as for Hinkley Point C. This is where new thinking on construction has a number of roles to play.”

During 2017 the ETI will be releasing technical data and reports from projects delivered across its technology programmes over the last 10 years.

It has just released over 20 documents on its website from its work on nuclear projects which can be found at http://www.eti.co.uk/programmes/nuclear

Last month the ETI launched a request for proposals seeking partners to work on a new project to provide greater understanding of the cost drivers in the construction of new nuclear power plants.

The Nuclear Cost Drivers Project will identify and analyse historic, contemporary and future nuclear power projects to identify areas of nuclear power plant design, construction and operation to deliver potential cost reductions.

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