UK releases roadmap to quadruple nuclear energy capacity
(VOVWORLD) - On Thursday, the government of the United Kingdom announced plans for what it said was the country’s “biggest expansion of nuclear power in 70 years” to bolster its energy independence and meet carbon emission targets.
 UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
The Civil Nuclear Roadmap includes exploring the construction of a major new power station, releasing £300 million ($382 million USD) of investment to produce advanced uranium fuel, and creating smarter regulations.
Taken together, the measures would quadruple UK nuclear power by 2050 to 24 gigawatts, enough to provide a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs.
“Nuclear is the perfect antidote to the energy challenges facing Britain – it’s green, cheaper in the long-term and will ensure the UK’s energy security”, said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
He said this is the right long-term decision and is the next step in the UK’s commitment to nuclear power, which puts us on course to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 in a measured and sustainable way. The government says it is committed to the 2050 net zero target but has come under fire after announcing last summer it will issue hundreds of new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea.