Nuclear power in the United Kingdom

Nuclear power in the United Kingdom
Name	Nuclear power in the United Kingdom
Caption	Sizewell B, the UK's only pressurized water reactor.
Country	United Kingdom
Capacity	5.9 GW (operational, 2024)
Generation	48.6 TWh (2022)
Percentage	14.2% of UK electricity (2022)
Reactors const	2 (Hinkley Point C)
Reactors plan	1 (Sizewell C)
Reactors decom	30

Nuclear power in the United Kingdom has been a significant component of the national electricity supply since the 1950s. The UK was a pioneer in civil nuclear technology, opening the world's first commercial nuclear power station, Calder Hall, in 1956. Today, the nuclear fleet provides a major source of low-carbon baseload electricity, though many of its Magnox and Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) stations are nearing the end of their operational lives, prompting a new build program.

History

The UK's nuclear program originated from military projects, including the Tube Alloys research and the post-war collaboration with the United States and Canada under the 1943 Quebec Agreement. The first generation of civil reactors were the gas-cooled Magnox designs, with the first station at Calder Hall supplying power to the National Grid. The 1960s saw the development of the second-generation Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR), with stations like Dungeness B and Heysham 1 coming online. The 1990s introduced the sole pressurized water reactor (PWR), Sizewell B, marking a shift towards international reactor designs. Major state-owned entities driving development included the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB).

Current status

As of 2024, the UK has nine operational reactors across five power stations: Hartlepool, Heysham 1, Heysham 2, Torness, and Sizewell B. These are all scheduled for retirement by 2035 except Sizewell B, which has a lifespan to 2035. The only new construction is at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, led by EDF Energy and China General Nuclear Power Group, which will feature two European Pressurized Reactors. A final investment decision has been made for a follow-on project, Sizewell C, with the government taking a significant stake through Great British Nuclear.

Reactor technology and sites

The operational fleet primarily consists of the UK-designed Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors, with the single American-designed pressurized water reactor at Sizewell B. Key nuclear sites are located at Sellafield (a major fuel reprocessing and decommissioning site), Dounreay (former fast reactor research), Wylfa (a proposed new build site), and Oldbury. The new build program is centered on third-generation designs like the European Pressurized Reactor at Hinkley Point C and proposed projects from companies such as Rolls-Royce (Small modular reactors) and Westinghouse Electric Company (AP1000 reactor).

Policy and regulation

Nuclear policy is set by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with independent regulation by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) for safety and security and the Environment Agency for environmental permits. The overarching legal framework is the Energy Act 2013, which established mechanisms like the Contract for Difference (CfD) to support low-carbon generation. The 2022 British Energy Security Strategy reaffirmed a target of 24 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050. The Nuclear Liabilities Financing Assurance Board oversees funding for decommissioning.

Economics and energy mix

Nuclear provided 14.2% of the UK's electricity in 2022. New projects like Hinkley Point C are financed under a Contract for Difference scheme, guaranteeing a stable price for electricity. The high upfront capital costs of new nuclear are a significant challenge, often requiring government support, as seen with the investment in Sizewell C. Nuclear's role is as a stable, low-carbon complement to intermittent renewables like wind and solar within the broader energy mix.

Decommissioning and waste management

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is responsible for cleaning up the UK's legacy nuclear sites, most notably the complex at Sellafield. Managing radioactive waste, particularly High-level waste, is a long-term challenge. Current policy, following the 2008 Managing Radioactive Waste Safely review, is for deep geological disposal, with site selection processes ongoing in communities like Theddlethorpe and South Copeland. Intermediate-level waste is stored at facilities such as Drigg.

Public opinion and controversy

Public opinion on nuclear power has fluctuated, influenced by global events like the Chernobyl disaster and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Proponents, including many in the Conservative Party and industry groups, argue it is essential for energy security and climate goals. Opposition has come from environmental groups like Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, citing cost, waste, and safety concerns. Local controversies have surrounded new build sites such as Hinkley Point and Sizewell, and the legacy of Sellafield.

Category:Nuclear energy in the United Kingdom Category:Nuclear power by country