The UK government is set to introduce modifications to planning regulations to facilitate the construction of additional nuclear power plants.
This initiative is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s strategy to bolster the economy and achieve climate objectives.
Currently, the construction of nuclear power plants is limited to eight designated locations in the UK.
Mr. Starmer has stated that these modifications will re-establish Britain’s position in the nuclear energy sector.
By revising planning laws, the British government aims to simplify the process of building smaller nuclear reactors throughout England and Wales.
These smaller reactors, referred to as “small modular reactors,” can be constructed more quickly than conventional larger nuclear power stations.
There have been suggestions for their development in Ireland from think tanks such as the Irish Academy of Engineering. However, current Irish legislation prohibits the establishment of nuclear power facilities.
The UK government envisions that these reactors could support new infrastructure projects, including data centers for artificial intelligence, while enhancing the country’s energy security.
One of the two reactors under construction at Hinkley Point C in Bridgwater, England
Nevertheless, the proposed planning changes will limit the scope for judicial reviews and alter environmental regulations.
Environmental organizations, including Greenpeace, oppose small modular reactors due to concerns regarding nuclear waste management.
At present, there are five nuclear power sites in the UK that are approaching the end of their operational life, with two additional projects in the development phase.
The UK’s first nuclear reactor was built in 1947, and no new nuclear power station has been completed since 1995.
It is important to note that the planning changes announced today do not pertain to Scotland or Northern Ireland.
