Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Third Report - Nuclear energy in Wales
Welsh Affairs Committee
HC 240
Published 3 May 2023
Recommendations
9
Accepted
Para 48
Explain mechanisms for monitoring and reporting consumer risk during Sizewell C construction.
Recommendation
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. …
Read more
Government Response Summary
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 have full oversight and audit rights during construction.
Wales Office
View Details →
12
Accepted
Para 67
Collaborate with Welsh Government to develop a national nuclear skills strategy for Wales.
Recommendation
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 …
Read more
Government Response Summary
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 is a devolved power.
Wales Office
View Details →
15
Accepted
Para 74
Publish a medium to long-term nuclear energy generation programme, including Wylfa and Trawsfynydd.
Recommendation
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 …
Read more
Government Response Summary
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 developments could be sited in the future, which will inform the NPS.
Wales Office
View Details →
16
Accepted
Para 79
Mandate Great British Nuclear to plan and deliver a programme for nuclear generating sites.
Recommendation
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 …
Read more
Government Response Summary
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 process planned for summer, aiming for decisions by autumn. GBN will provide co-funding, work on financing and site arrangements, and support consideration of large Gigawatt-scale projects.
Wales Office
View Details →
Conclusions (2)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 21
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 Summary
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.
2
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 22
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 Summary
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.