The UK’s nuclear planning reforms could mark a major turning point in the journey to decarbonise energy-intensive sectors, writes Hannah Manson of Newcleo
The global nuclear renaissance is well and truly underway. Nuclear power generation is set to reach record levels this year, with over 70GW of new capacity currently under construction worldwide – one of the highest levels in the last three decades.
Around the globe, governments have embraced nuclear power as a clean and reliable energy source that can meet the twin challenges of decarbonising energy systems while
ensuring energy independence.
The UK is no exception, having established Great British Nuclear, a dedicated public body aimed at advancing the country’s nuclear power industry. Despite this momentum, the UK’s nuclear sector has been stuck in neutral for some time, with red tape and bureaucratic hurdles preventing projects from getting off the ground.
This February marked a landmark moment for Britain’s nuclear sector when, in a welcome move, the government announced a significant shake-up to the current planning system aimed at cutting red tape and fast-tracking new nuclear development.
Newfound flexibility
Crucial to these reforms is a proposed policy that will enable developers to identify and promote sites for the deployment of nuclear generation themselves. This newfound flexibility, coupled with the emergence of innovative nuclear technologies such as advanced modular reactors (AMRs), unlocks enormous opportunities, especially for energy-intensive industries. Heavy industries producing the likes of steel, cement and chemicals require huge amounts of energy to run essential operations like blast furnaces and heavy machinery and today still rely heavily on fossil fuels.
Dubbed “hard to abate” as they are notoriously difficult to decarbonise, in 2022 industry accounted for 14% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. AMRs are uniquely suited to decarbonising such industries and the government’s planning reforms bring us closer to realising this potential.
Unlike large-scale, traditional nuclear plants, AMRs are smaller and use factory-built units which simplify construction, allowing them to be positioned closer to the source of demand.
In industrial clusters, like in Tees Valley and the Humber, one or more AMRs could be deployed on-site to directly power operations, providing clean, baseload power while reducing reliance on grid connections. AMRs can also produce high-temperature heat without carbon emissions which, for industries such as steel and ceramics that rely on extreme heat, could provide a viable path to decarbonisation while maintaining efficient
operations.
Supporting digital technology growth
The same benefits apply to emerging energy-hungry industries too, such as the fast-growing data centre, AI and machine learning markets. These new digital technologies are expected to grow at an exponential rate, presenting capacity challenges as they are highly energy intensive.
In the UK, the National Grid projects that data centre power consumption will increase six-fold by 2035, with concerns it will place further pressure on an already strained grid.
Simply put, these industries need a clean and reliable supply of abundant energy, and nuclear is a natural fit. Some companies are already blazing this trail, with tech giants like Google, Amazon and Meta having made deals to support the development of small reactors. As with the heavy industries, the nuclear planning overhaul means industrial applications are no longer merely a sound concept for nuclear developers operating in the UK, but a feasible option. AMR developers could help Britain achieve a strong international standing as a leader in new and exciting digital technologies by addressing the energy challenge.
With the reforms set to enable a more flexible approach to siting, local communities now have greater opportunity to influence site selection for new nuclear projects.
Communities that are eager to bring nuclear to their area and reap all the economic and environmental benefits it offers, can advocate for projects and work closely with nuclear developers during the pre-application stages to ensure any development is a good fit for all parties.
This extends to end-users such as energy-intensive industries, which can engage and collaborate with developers from the early stages to ensure reactors are located advantageously, to help decarbonise and secure a reliable energy supply for their businesses.
The recent planning reforms are a decisive step forward, removing outdated restrictions and creating a supportive regulatory environment for nuclear developers to do business and attract investment.
Nuclear reactors can deliver much-needed clean, reliable power while driving the decarbonisation of Britain’s most energy-intensive industries. The strong support shown from government, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, will help give certainty to investors and facilitate inward investment.
With this political backing, streamlined regulations and growing private sector interest, the UK has all the ingredients needed to forge transformative partnerships that will secure its energy future.
The post Why Britain’s nuclear planning reforms are a game-changer for energy-intensive industries appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
