Institution responds to Government approval of Hinkley Point C

Dr Jenifer Baxter says that the Government must ensure a plan is put in place to develop skills in the sector

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Energy and Environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to the Government approval of Hinkley Point C:

“This announcement is welcome and great news for the nuclear sector, however, it is important to note that this is not the end but merely a small step at the start of securing our low carbon energy requirements for the future. 

“As outlined in our policy statement earlier on this year, the UK is facing an electricity supply gap by 2025, so the Government must ensure that a plan is put in place to meet future carbon targets as well as developing skills and growth for the sector. 

“The development of Hinkley Point C provides an opportunity for the Government, in collaboration with the National Grid and groups like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Energy Systems Catapult to fully understand the likely future capacity gap and identify generation needs, types and emerging technologies that can potentially bridge this gap.

“It is now more important than ever to focus on attracting business and foreign investment to our nation following the Brexit vote. The Government must work with industry to ensure we have modern, reliable and secure infrastructure, be it in energy, transport or communications.”