Institution responds to Hinkley Point C nuclear deal

The Institution's Dr Tim Fox says subject to EU approval and the EDF investment decision next year, today’s announcement will hopefully mark the start of a nuclear power revival in the UK.

Dr Tim Fox, Head of Energy and Environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to the deal reached on the Hinkley Point C  nuclear power project:

“Subject to EU approval and the EDF investment decision next year, today’s announcement will hopefully mark the start of a nuclear power revival in the UK. Nuclear is a key electricity source for the future as it provides reliable, low-carbon electricity and new nuclear plants will be used as replacements for the country’s ageing nuclear fleet, the bulk of which are set to retire by the end of the decade.
 
“In order to meet the country’s rising electricity demand, as we electrify building heating and transport to meet our aspirations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the UK needs a balanced electricity mix – with renewables, nuclear and fossil fuels abated with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) all playing a role.
 
“This announcement is a welcome step towards giving the UK nuclear engineering and research community confidence that the nation has a future in this sector and should act as a catalyst for encouraging the other consortia, Horizon Nuclear Power and NuGen, to continue with the plans for new plant at Wylfa, Oldbury and Moorside among others.”