Starmer reforms nuclear planning to avoid being “hostage to Putin”
Prime minister Keir Starmer is placing his bets on small nuclear reactors to meet the country’s energy needs after a public backlash over big expensive nuclear projects.
nuclear
French energy giant EDF launches search for Hinkley Point finance after damning audit report
EDF Group’s chief executive Luc Rémont has hit back at the national French auditor’s claims that the energy company should delay its investment in UK nuclear power project Sizewell C.
Campaigners accuse government of ‘lack of transparency’ over Sizewell C value
A campaign group has urged the NAO to review the UK government’s spending assessment for the nuclear power project in Suffolk.
Government urged to review Sizewell C nuclear plant over ballooning cost
Ecotricity founder Dale Vince, a Labour donor, has called for an urgent cost review of the Sizewell C nuclear power station and Net Zero Teesside carbon capture project.
Nuclear to play “essential role” in clean power plan, Ed Miliband says
The UK’s energy secretary said modular reactors could fuel a “fourth industrial revolution”, with recent interest in the sector “supercharged by the rise of AI”.
Energy transition requires extra $1.75tn a year – report
Global investment in the energy transition must double to $3.5 trillion a year to keep global warming below catastrophic levels, according to a new report by analytics and consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie.
Labour backs nuclear – but at what cost?
With new funding announced for the prospective Sizewell C plant, the government seems committed to nuclear power. However, the cost of nuclear newbuild in the UK is staggering and, even if built, sufficient new capacity will not arrive soon enough to help mitigate climate change. UK electricity consumers should hope that the target of 24 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050 slips into obscurity.
Viaro Energy to explore using mini nuclear reactors to decarbonise offshore assets
Viaro Energy signs agreement with startup Newcleo to assess using nuclear power for existing and future North Sea assets
UK in talks with Hitachi over Welsh nuclear plant site
The UK government is holding early-stage talks to buy a site in Wales to build a nuclear power plant, a move aimed at reviving Britain’s ageing nuclear fleet, the Financial Times reported.
New dawn for emissions-free nuclear merchant shipping?
China took the global shipping industry by surprise by unveiling a super-large NUCLEAR container ship design at the Marintec marine expo in Shanghai last month.
Greenpeace Suing EU Over ‘Fake’ Green Label for Gas and Nuclear
Greenpeace said it’s suing the European Union’s executive over its decision to grant some gas and nuclear power stations a “fake” green label under EU sustainable finance rules.
Confirmation of nuclear as environmentally sustainable removes uncertainty – now to build confidence
In the Spring Budget, the Chancellor confirmed nuclear as “environmentally sustainable” removing an element of uncertainty which will enable the UK to plan and finance nuclear energy infrastructure in the long term. However, building confidence in technology and equipment will be key for the UK Government in delivering new nuclear power generation.
Eliminate nuclear and gas? More questions than answers on Scotland’s baseload power
Brian Wilson takes a look at a recent Scottish Parliament committee, which had plenty of "possibilities and doubts" on the future but not a firm agenda on replacing Scotland's energy supply.
Energy Security Day: Acorn CCS ‘leading contender’ for Track 2 funding, says UK Gov
The Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project in Aberdeenshire is a “leading contender” for development in a newly-launched funding round, the UK Government said today.
UK labels nuclear power ‘green’ to attract climate-friendly capital
Britain will classify nuclear power as “environmentally sustainable” as the government tries to attract billions of pounds of private capital to the sector.
Taiwan commits to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen last week signed a major climate change law that introduces a net-zero carbon target for 2050 and a carbon fee system for large emitters.
EDF reports record loss after nuclear output choked by repairs
Electricite de France reported a historic loss for 2022 after repairs choked its nuclear output, but the utility predicted a significant rebound in earnings this year as production recovers.
Renewable power competitiveness in Asia Pacific worsened in 2022
The levelised costs of electricity (LCOE) for utility solar and onshore wind in Asia Pacific were up 16% and 12% respectively since 2020, as equipment, construction costs and interest rates rose in the region. However, China was insulated from the trend.
UK Power Grid Tightens as Wind Drops But Mild Weather Eases Strain
Britain’s power traders are facing dips in wind and nuclear power that are set to tighten the country’s grid, but mild weather will ease the strain.
South Korea curbs plans for renewables in push for more nuclear
South Korea will boost nuclear power generation and downgrade its plans for renewable energy as the nation overhauls its electricity mix to meet emissions reduction targets.
Crumbling nuclear plant may fuel Philippines after 36-year delay
A nuclear power plant on the Philippines’ western coast has sat idle for nearly four decades, costing billions of dollars and never producing a watt of electricity. Now, it’s at the center of a debate over whether the nation should finally adopt atomic energy.
Government go ahead for Sizewell C nuclear power station
The Government is to press ahead with building a new nuclear power plant at Sizewell C in Suffolk, the Chancellor announced.
Biden, Jokowi unveil $20bn deal to end coal and speed up net zero push in Indonesia
US President Joe Biden and Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced a climate finance deal providing $20 billion to help Indonesia pivot away from coal power.
Grant Shapps: A look at the new business and energy secretary’s policy record
From energy rationing to onshore wind, the newly appointed business and energy secretary, Grant Shapps, has voiced opinions on a range of topics in the sector.
Sunak reinstates fracking ban in reversal of Liz Truss policy
Rishi Sunak has reinstated a ban on fracking in England, in a reversal of his predecessor Liz Truss’ policy.