Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 27
27
Government relies on existing nuclear for 2030 clean power amid lifespan uncertainties.
Conclusion
In December 2024, the government published its pathway to a clean power system by 2030.80 We asked the Department what part it expects nuclear to play in the mix of low–carbon energy.81 Given the timescales involved to build new nuclear infrastructure versus ambitions for clean power by 2030, the government’s focus is mainly on existing nuclear plants.82 The Department said, however, there are questions around the exact life of the remaining nuclear plants in this country.83 Looking to what comes next, the Department told us that there will be more sites for nuclear power stations, particularly small modular nuclear reactors, a “new technology” for which Great British Nuclear is running a competition, concluding by spring 2025.84