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Support for nuclear in UK Energy White paper
14 December 2020
The UK Government’s much anticipated Energy White paper has been published today and clearly articulates that nuclear has a key role in achieving goals to reach Net Zero, realise a green economic recovery and keep energy bills affordable.
Building on the Ten Point Plan for a ‘Green Industrial Revolution’ and coming ahead of the COP26 climate summit next year, the headline for the nuclear industry is the Government’s confirmation it will enter into negotiations on the Sizewell C project, as it considers options to enable investment in at least one nuclear power station by the end of this Parliament.
Urenco is encouraged by this announcement as a member of the Sizewell C Consortium, consisting of several large businesses from across the UK nuclear supply chain jointly calling on the Government to move forward with plans for the new large-scale nuclear power plant in Suffolk.
It is also clear in the White Paper that the government will continue to engage with other nuclear power plant developers, partly by creating an Advanced Nuclear Fund of up to £385 million to support the development of Small and Advanced Modular Reactors.
Nuclear can cost effectively produce hydrogen, and so another point of note is the desire to build the hydrogen economy by working with industry to aim for 5GW of production by 2030, backed up by a new £240m net zero Hydrogen Fund for low carbon hydrogen production.
Emilie Isaacs, Head of Government Affairs, said: “Urenco’s core business has always been, and will continue to be, uranium enrichment services, using our leading centrifuge technology. We offer a secure, competitive supply to current and new large-scale reactors, and future advanced nuclear technologies. This helps to keep hospitals, homes and critical businesses across the world powered with reliable, carbon-free energy.
“Twenty-five per cent of Urenco’s global fuels production is from our enrichment site in Chester, part of the UK’s industrial heartlands, providing skilled, well-paid jobs, and a high proportion of our supply chain spend for our UK companies within the region.”
Emilie added: “We believe that nuclear perfectly complements renewables and hydrogen and these three technologies are the future of our energy systems.”
Read the Government announcement
About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of enrichment services and fuel cycle products with sustainability at the core of its business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for 50 years, Urenco facilitates zero carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office near London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Using centrifuge technology designed and developed by Urenco, and through the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services; operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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