Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 55
55
Accepted
Paragraph: 266
Concerns exist regarding creeping delays in updating the Nuclear National Policy Statement
Conclusion
Given that the Minister envisaged a three-year timeline to develop, consult upon, and designate a new nuclear National Policy Statement (NPS), and that as of 18 July 2023 the consultation stage had not even started, we are concerned that there may be a creeping delay in updating the NPS for new nuclear. This would not only send the wrong signal to a sector poised for investment but could cause delays in deployment. New nuclear developers require knowledge of where a reactor can be built if they are to advance their plans.
Government Response Summary
The government committed to publishing a consultation on potential sites for new nuclear developments, including SMRs, before the end of 2023. It aims to consult on the draft National Policy Statement in 2024 and designate the new NPS in 2025.
Paragraph Reference:
266
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
As an initial step in the development of the new nuclear National Policy Statement, the developments could be sited in future. The intention is to publish this consultation before the end of 2023. This consultation will also address the possibility of deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies. Our intention is to consult on the draft NPS in 2024 and complete the parliamentary scrutiny process to enable the designation of the new nuclear NPS in 2025. We believe this is an ambitious but realistic timeline to ensure that an updated planning framework is established to support projects scheduled for deployment after 2025. GBN will work across Government to support access to potential sites for new nuclear projects to achieve its long-term ambition.