Mon, 24 Nov 2025

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 UK 'world's most expensive place' to develop nuclear power

Experts criticised “overly complex” rules and called for an overhaul of Britain's nuclear strategy.

* A government review has found that the UK's bureaucracy around nuclear power plants is overly complex, leading to costly and inefficient projects.
* The report calls for a "radical reset" in the government's nuclear strategy to make projects safer and more efficient, which could save Britain "tens of billions" in costs.
* A lack of industry-wide safety oversight has led to conservative and costly decisions not proportionate to actual risk being managed.
* Nuclear plants are essential to the UK's future energy needs and net zero targets.
* The report recommends a "one-stop" commission for nuclear decisions, with unified decision-making powers.
* Simplifying regulation could maintain or enhance safety standards while delivering nuclear capacity safely, quickly, and affordably.
* The government is expected to address the report's findings in the Budget later this month.
* Several major economies are reassessing their nuclear strategies and expanding capacity.
* The UK has signed a global pledge to triple its nuclear capacity by 2050 in a bid to cut carbon emissions.
* Britain's existing nuclear power stations account for about 15% of the electricity generated in 2024, but will shut down by 2030.
* New plants are being developed, including Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, which will take several years to come online.
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