Institution responds to the Welsh Affairs Committee report on the future of nuclear power in Wales

The Institution's Dr Jenifer Baxter says Wales could become the international hub for the development of unique and hugely valuable skills.

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Energy and Environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to the Welsh Affairs Committee report on the future of nuclear power in Wales:

“Wales has the opportunity to become a global centre of excellence for the manufacture and development of new nuclear power stations including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). If plans go ahead to develop SMRs, Wales could become the international hub for the development of unique and hugely valuable skills that in the future could be exported overseas. SMRs are smaller than traditional reactors, easier to build and easier to disassemble. This means they could be an ideal way to plug the UK’s electricity gap while we invest in research and development of grid balancing systems and the next generation of renewable and low-carbon electricity infrastructure.

“Findings in this report that there is a lack of public confidence in nuclear power must be addressed. Industry and Government need to better highlight the comprehensive range of safety procedures in place to mitigate risk and environmental damage and work with local communities to build trust in the benefits of nuclear power.”

To read more about SMRs: Small Modular Reactors: A UK opportunity