NESO report shows urgent need for more baseload nuclear

In welcoming NESO’s advice that nuclear will play an important role in achieving a clean power system by 2030 and beyond with life extensions for the current fleet and a new generation of nuclear plants, Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association said:

“NESO’s recognition of the vital role new and existing nuclear stations will play in transitioning to a 100% clean power grid is welcome.

“Ramping up baseload nuclear – including delivering Sizewell C, a fleet of Small Modular Reactors and a new project at Wylfa – is particularly important during the still, cloudy periods like we’re seeing this week when there’s no other option than to burn lots of dirty, expensive gas.

“For the system operator to be able to do their job there needs to be enough firm, clean power on the grid, both to keep the lights on and to protect consumers from paying inflated prices for the electricity they rely on.”