Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 49
49
Accepted
Paragraph: 249
Generic Design Assessment process faces capacity constraints, expense, and international overlap concerns
Conclusion
Some witnesses are concerned that the GDA has capacity constraints and is a lengthy and expensive process given that there are no site-specific guarantees afterwards. Whilst acknowledging the need for UK sovereignty over regulations, witnesses pointed out the considerable overlap of the technical approval process for new reactors between established nuclear nations.
Government Response Summary
The government committed in July 2023 to consult in autumn on alternative routes to market for new nuclear projects. It states it continues to seek ways to streamline the GDA process and is undertaking projects to examine the feasibility and best processes for pre-engagement for new nuclear developers.
Paragraph Reference:
249
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
In July 2023, the Government committed to consult in the autumn on alternative routes to market for new nuclear projects, in addition to the GBN led Technology Selection Process. energy in industrial decarbonisation as well as low-carbon heat and hydrogen production. The evidence received will help shape future policy and ensure that the UK’s nuclear programme is as comprehensive and inclusive as possible. The government continues to seek ways to streamline the GDA process. However, there are multiple variables that drive the GDA timetable. This is why the nuclear regulators work closely with the developer towards meeting the developer’s scheduled timelines. The UK nuclear regulators are internationally renowned and have significant positive working relationships with a range of international regulators. Every GDA is different and therefore the possibility for collaboration with international regulators to speed up GDA can vary. Vendors are encouraged to share their international regulatory cases to the ONR to help potentially accelerate GDA timelines. The government accepts the recommendation to examine pre- engagement for new nuclear developers. The department and regulators are currently undertaking several projects to examine the feasibility and best available processes for pre-engagement.