The Nuclear Industry Association welcomed the report, released at the CBI’s high-level energy conference, which calls for 16GW of new nuclear to be built to shift the UK’s energy system to a low-carbon model.

That equates to 10-12 reactors, based at 6-10 new plants, which would be built on existing nuclear sites. But the business group is warning that without a significant shift in current energy policy, the private sector will not be able to build the new infrastructure that will be needed.

Keith Parker, the chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, the trade body which represents more than 170 UK nuclear firms, warmly welcomed the report, called ‘Forging  a Nuclear Renaissance: Making new nuclear a reality’, and backed the CBI’s call for a shift of emphasis in energy thinking.

He said: “Nuclear power is clean, stably-priced and reliable and is already producing more than 80% of the UK’s low-carbon power. We agree with the CBI that there shoulds be more focus on delivering a low-carbon future for the UK with an energy balance…but with new nuclear at the heart of this policy.”

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Director of Business Environment, said:

“With most existing nuclear plants due to close within ten years, we urgently need new reactors to come on stream.

“Nuclear power can play a key role in cutting carbon emissions and bolstering energy security. It needs to be part of a broad-based energy mix that includes wind and other renewable sources, gas and clean coal.

“The forthcoming national planning statements should deliver a firm commitment to building new nuclear power by identifying enough sites to accommodate the scale of new reactors that will be needed. Meanwhile, the new Infrastructure Planning Commission should hit the ground running and take steps to speed up the planning regime, so firms can invest in new energy projects with confidence.”

In the report the CBI sets out five key recommendations to the government. It says it should:

·        Publish National Policy Statements for new nuclear build as quickly as possible.

·        Set up a joint government-industry task force to explore whether an additional market mechanism is needed to incentivise the volume of low-carbon generation that must be built.

·        Deliver a long-term nuclear waste solution for the UK.

·        Provide support for companies involved in the nuclear supply chain.

The CBI is also calling on business to ensure that it:

·        Maintains public confidence in nuclear by continuing to operate existing stations safely and reliably.

·        Engages with local communities at each stage of the new build process.

·        Works with the Government and firms across the nuclear supply chain to ensure we have sufficient capacity and skills to service new power stations.

·        Invests in training to ensure the UK workforce has the necessary skills to launch a nuclear renaissance. 

The CBI conference brought together industry leaders and policymakers to examine whether the UK has the right energy strategy to meet climate change targets and secure our energy supply.