‘Build, baby, build’: UK pushes nuclear expansion with faster approval process

• U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to accelerate the construction of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the country. The government aims to remove restrictions on plant locations and speed up the approval process.
• Nuclear power currently generates 15% of the U.K.’s electricity, down from 25% in the 1990s, with no new stations built since then and several reactors set for decommissioning.
• While the government argues nuclear expansion will reduce reliance on foreign energy, environmental groups like Greenpeace U.K. criticize SMRs as unproven and question their cost, safety and feasibility.

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The new energy policy in the United States is focused on fossil fuel expansion — “Drill, baby, drill.” However, in the United Kingdom, the government is taking a different approach — “Build, baby, build.”

Those were the words of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who wants to position the UK as a global leader in nuclear power.

“We were a leader in nuclear; I’m determined we’re going to be a leader again,” Starmer said.

How does the U.K. plan to become a global nuclear leader?

Speaking at the National Nuclear Laboratory in Lancashire, Starmer announced plans to accelerate the construction of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) across England and Wales. He stated that the government will remove restrictions on where nuclear plants can be developed and work to speed up the approval process for building these facilities.

Currently, the approval and construction process for nuclear projects in the U.K. can take nearly 20 years to complete.

“This is a real game changer when it comes to nuclear,” Starmer said. “It’s part of a bigger story about clean power.”

What is the U.K.’s history with nuclear power?

Currently, nuclear energy accounts for 15% of the UK’s electricity supply, down from 25% in the 1990s. No new power stations have been built since then, and several existing reactors are set to be decommissioned in the coming years.

Are there any concerns about this nuclear plan?

SMRs, which the U.K. government now plans to develop, are considered a more cost-effective alternative to traditional nuclear plants. Still, the technology has yet to be commercially proven.

Some environmental groups have criticized the plan, with Greenpeace U.K. arguing that the government has not critically examined the feasibility of SMRs. The group called the projected costs, delivery timelines, and safety assurances “optimistic conjecture.”

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What happens next?

The U.K. government maintains that expanding nuclear power will reduce reliance on foreign energy sources and help stabilize electricity costs. As part of the new measures, a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce will be created to streamline approval processes and lower development expenses.

Meanwhile, construction is already underway on two new nuclear reactors in England, which are expected to begin delivering power by 2030.