Great British Nuclear Set to Supercharge UK Energy Security
The UK is charging ahead with a nuclear revival to slash dependence on shaky fossil fuel imports and spark economic growth. Today marks the launch of Great British Nuclear (GBN), a powerhouse initiative ready to roll out new nuclear plants fast and furious – delivering cleaner, cheaper, and safer energy for Britain.
Grant Shapps Unveils Ambitious Nuclear Expansion
Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps has announced a bold plan to expand nuclear energy with cutting-edge Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This move aims to boost energy security, lower bills, and inject around £6 billion into the UK economy.
Companies can now register to compete for multi-billion pound public and private investment to develop SMRs – factory-made, smaller reactors that promise quicker and cheaper power station builds.
Backing Big & Small: From SMRs to Mega Plants
- GBN plays a vital role in the government’s aim to source up to 25% of British electricity from homegrown nuclear by 2050.
- Alongside SMRs, commitment remains strong for mega projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.
- Government plans to explore even bigger nuclear power plants to solidify the UK’s energy mix.
Voices from the Frontline of Britain’s Nuclear Comeback
Grant Shapps: “Britain pioneered civil nuclear power. Today, we’re turbocharging its revival. By boosting our homegrown nuclear supply, we’ll drive down bills and break free from energy blackmail by tyrants like Putin.”
Andrew Bowie, Minister for Nuclear: “Great British Nuclear marks the UK’s nuclear comeback. We’re ready to compete globally and transform how we power Britain.”
Simon Bowen, interim GBN Chair: “Starting the SMR selection process is a huge leap forward. We’re ready to work with industry, communities, and tech vendors to build the nuclear future Britain needs.”
Julia Pyke, Sizewell C MD: “The nuclear sector’s ambition is sky-high. Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C will cut carbon and help slash household energy bills.”
Tom Greatrex, Nuclear Industry Association CEO: “GBN signals a new nuclear era. We’re creating jobs, advancing net zero, and kicking Russia out of nuclear fuel markets.”
David Peattie, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority CEO: “We’re backing GBN with expertise and £1 million funding for vital nuclear fuel transport.”
£157 Million Boost to Power UK Nuclear Innovation
- £77.1 million to fast-track advanced nuclear designs and bring them into UK regulation.
- £58 million for advanced modular reactor (AMR) development and next-gen nuclear fuel projects.
- £22.3 million from the Nuclear Fuel Fund to build UK nuclear fuel manufacturing and cut reliance on Russian imports.
This funding supports projects like Arup Ove’s knowledge-sharing scheme to slash costs and speed AMR innovation.
Big Investment, Bigger Jobs
Last year’s £700 million government boost for Sizewell C, the first major UK nuclear state backer in 30 years, is set to create 10,000 jobs during construction and power 6 million homes with low-carbon energy for over 60 years.
GBN, led by Simon Bowen and CEO Gwen Parry-Jones, will sift through SMR tech entries this autumn, moving into negotiation stages with leading innovators to keep the nuclear renaissance rolling.
Britain is back in the nuclear game – clean, homegrown, and ready to power the future.
