Recommendations & Conclusions
6 items
1
Conclusion
Third Report - Nuclear energy in Wales
Accepted
While we have heard dividing evidence on the role that nuclear energy should play in achieving the UK’s net zero targets and ensuring domestic energy security, there is a broad consensus between the UK and Welsh Governments, and the majority of our witnesses, in favour of new nuclear energy generation.
Government response. The government maintains a positive dialogue with nuclear site owners and has established Great British Nuclear (GBN) to drive its ambition for up to 24GW of nuclear energy by 2050. This confirms the stated consensus on new nuclear energy generation.
Wales Office
2
Conclusion
Third Report - Nuclear energy in Wales
Accepted
The storage technology required for an entire electricity system run on renewable energy is not there yet. Therefore, on balance, we consider that nuclear energy has a strong role to play, as part of a mix of low carbon sources, in achieving net zero and energy security.
Government response. The government aligns with the committee's conclusion, detailing its ambition for up to 24GW of nuclear energy by 2050 and the establishment of Great British Nuclear (GBN) to drive the UK's new nuclear programme.
Wales Office
9
Recommendation
Third Report - Nuclear energy in Wales
Accepted
We recognise the high cost of construction of nuclear energy plants and the large upfront investment needed to get a project to final investment decision. We hope that the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model will help overcome these investment challenges. However, there are valid concerns about the risk to consumers, …
Government response. The government states that existing legislation (Nuclear Energy (Financing) Act 2022) and current processes, including HMT Green Book approvals and Major Project Review Group approvals, ensure consumer interests are considered and projects are monitored. Ofgem, as the economic regulator, will …
Wales Office
12
Recommendation
Third Report - Nuclear energy in Wales
Accepted
If the UK Government is going to realise its ambitions for nuclear energy, investment in skills is essential and serious work needs to be done on how the required skills can be developed. We call on the UK and Welsh Governments to work closely together to support the skills sector …
Government response. The government states it already works closely with industry and the Welsh Government through the employer-led Nuclear Skills Strategy Group (NSSG), with aligned strategic plans to address skills challenges. It collaborates with devolved administrations for a coherent approach, acknowledging education …
Wales Office
15
Recommendation
Third Report - Nuclear energy in Wales
Accepted
We welcome the UK Government’s announcement that it will deliver a programme of new nuclear projects. We recommend that the Government publishes a medium to long-term programme for nuclear energy generation. The programme must set out how it will achieve its ambitions of up to 24GW of nuclear energy by …
Government response. The government commits to developing a new National Policy Statement (NPS) to outline planning policy for deploying new nuclear power stations beyond 2025. As a first step, it will consult later this year on a policy for how new nuclear …
Wales Office
16
Recommendation
Third Report - Nuclear energy in Wales
Accepted
We have heard strong representations from the nuclear sector for greater clarity and commitment from the UK Government on its ambitions. We put these representations to the UK Government ahead of the Spring Budget and welcome the launch of Great British Nuclear, as we called for. However, we are yet …
Government response. The government states Great British Nuclear (GBN) has been launched with funding to drive new nuclear projects. GBN's first priority is to launch a competitive process for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies, with market engagement already underway and a down-selection …
Wales Office