If the UK committed to building two large scale nuclear stations at Wylfa Newydd and Sizewell, along with a fleet of Small Modular Reactors, it could replace more than 10 billion cubic metres of gas imports, according to the Nuclear Industry Association.

The proposed station at Sizewell C, for example, could replace 5.4 billion cubic metres of natural gas, equivalent to 1.4 million Olympic sized swimming pools of the fossil fuel. Wylfa Newydd could replace 1 million pools of gas with clean, reliable, British power.

Tom Greatrex, NIA Chief Executive, said:

“The UK could avoid future energy crises by replacing its reliance on unstable and volatile gas markets by urgently investing in new nuclear stations. That is the only way we can protect our energy security and future proof the country’s only source of firm, low-carbon power.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • Daily balancing costs are available from LCP Energy at https://twitter.com/lcpenergy?lang=en and further information on spot prices at https://thecurrent.lcp.uk.com/.
  • Day-ahead auction prices are also available from Nordpool: https://www.nordpoolgroup.com/Market-data1/GB/Auction-prices/UK/monthly/?view=table.
  • The UK has seven generating nuclear power stations, of which Hunterston B, Hinkley Point B, Heysham I and Hartlepool nuclear power stations are all scheduled to retire by the end of March 2024, representing more than 4 GW of nominal generating capacity. Hunterston and Hinkley Point B will be in defuelling by mid-2022.
  • Of the existing fleet, only the Pressurised Water Reactor at Sizewell B, with 1.2 GW of capacity, is scheduled to be operational after 2030.
  • Nuclear is the second most important source of clean power in the UK currently, after wind.

About the Nuclear Industry Association

As the trade association for the civil nuclear industry in the UK, the Nuclear Industry Association represents more than 250 companies across the UK’s nuclear supply chain.

For further information, please contact:

Iolo James
Media & Communications Manager
[email protected]
+44 (0)7517 108 023


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