The long anticipated Government energy review was officially launched on 23 January, and as expected focuses firmly on the strategic issues of security of energy supply and climate change, and on consideration of the nuclear option. The case for new nuclear build to be part of a balanced energy policy that addresses future security of supply and climate change problems is strong. The recent stand-off between Russia and Ukraine over gas supplies and prices, and the knock-on effect that had in Europe, have highlighted the potential vulnerability of the UK to long term dependence on gas imports. Dire predictions by Professor James Lovelock about the possibly irreversible impact of global climate change impel measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, including the switch to low carbon energy sources such as nuclear and renewables.

However, the prospects for new nuclear build will also be determined by the industry demonstrating that it can deal effectively with the legacy of the past through the timely decommissioning and clean up of the sites owned by the NDA. The industry eagerly awaits clarification of the NDA's strategy in relation to the timing of competition and the timescales for decommissioning individual sites, and the NIA Decommissioning Working Group in April will provide members with an early insight into those plans. But the NDA's  decisions on the timing of decommissioning will be influenced by the response of Government to CoRWM's recommendations and the implementation of a clear waste management policy. Clarity on waste management will also influence decisions on investment in new nuclear build.

These interlocking, politically delicate issues require a carefully co-ordinated and consistent approach across the NIA's membership. It will be an exciting and important year, and one in which we all need to pull together.