In reaction to a letter written by the Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) to the Energy Secretary on the subject of Small Modular Reactors, Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:

“SMRs have the potential to play a very important part in how the UK achieves energy security and reaches net zero. Nuclear provides clean, reliable and sovereign power, and SMRs are based on proven technology which can expand the use of modular techniques which are well known. These reactors will generate power 24/7, working alongside renewables to keep the lights on for decades to come, and beyond 2050.

“SMRs also provide huge export opportunities in markets which are fast turning to nuclear and the UK, with its world-class knowledge and expertise, is well placed to capitalise. Nuclear is also the only energy sector which tracks, manages and pays for its own waste, and has the smallest volume of waste of any energy source. What’s important now is that the government delivers its SMR selection-process swiftly so we can start building.”

ENDS
Notes to editors
  • Tom Greatrex gave oral evidence to the EAC’s inquiry into SMRs in the transition from fossil fuels in December 2023.

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