Complex regulations drive soaring expenses
The UK now ranks as the most expensive country to build nuclear plants, according to a government review. The report blames overly complex rules for inflating costs and slowing projects. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commissioned the review to push a radical reset of nuclear policy. The taskforce says streamlined regulations could save Britain tens of billions and reverse years of industry decline. The government plans major nuclear projects to secure energy supplies and meet net-zero targets.
Fragmented oversight fuels delays and overspending
The review highlights a fragmented safety system with no clear industry-wide authority. This framework produces conservative, costly decisions that exceed actual risks. The authors describe a near-monopolistic sector prone to overruns and long delays in civil and defence programmes. Nuclear power remains essential for Britain’s energy future. The report warns the UK risks falling behind in a global nuclear revival. It also notes current rules remain overly cautious, including strict limits on worker radiation exposure.
Proposal for a single nuclear authority
The taskforce recommends creating a one-stop commission with unified powers over all nuclear decisions. Chair John Fingleton calls the reforms bold but necessary. He argues simpler rules can maintain or improve safety while delivering capacity faster and at lower cost. The government plans to respond to the findings in this month’s Budget. Many major economies are reviewing nuclear strategies. Planned and proposed reactors worldwide now match the number already operating. The UK joins 30 nations pledging to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 to cut carbon emissions.
Aging reactors heighten urgency for new builds
Britain’s nuclear fleet generates about 15% of electricity in 2024. The country runs nine reactors, but eight will close by 2030. New projects are underway but will take years to begin producing power. Hinkley Point C should start operating in the early 2030s. Sizewell C will follow later that decade and could power six million homes. The UK also develops small modular reactors that can be built faster than traditional plants. France plans at least six new reactors. China has nearly 30 under construction. The US completed its first new reactor in over 30 years last year. Japan plans nuclear to supply a fifth of its electricity by 2040 after restarting its programme. Germany focuses on hydrogen and other renewables instead.
Safety concerns continue to shape public opinion
Nuclear energy remains divisive. Memories of Fukushima and the 1986 Chernobyl disaster continue to influence public debate and perceptions of industry safety.
