Complex rules drive up construction expenses
The UK now ranks as the most expensive country in the world to build nuclear plants, according to a government review. The report blames overly complex regulations for inflating costs and delaying projects. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commissioned the review to push a radical reset of nuclear strategy. The taskforce says streamlined rules could save Britain tens of billions and reverse years of decline. The government plans major nuclear projects to secure energy supplies and meet net-zero targets.
Fragmented oversight fuels delays and higher costs
The review highlights a fragmented safety system with no clear industry-wide authority. This setup produces conservative, costly decisions that exceed actual risks. The authors describe a near-monopolistic sector prone to cost overruns and long delays in civil and defence programmes. Nuclear power remains vital for Britain’s energy future. The report warns the UK risks falling behind in a global nuclear revival. It also notes current rules remain overly cautious, including strict limits on worker radiation exposure.
One-stop nuclear authority proposed
The taskforce recommends creating a single commission with unified powers over all nuclear decisions. Chair John Fingleton says the reforms are bold but necessary. He argues that simpler rules can maintain or improve safety while delivering capacity faster and at lower cost. The government plans to respond to the findings in this month’s Budget. Many major economies are reviewing nuclear strategies. Planned and proposed reactors worldwide now match the number already operating. The UK joins 30 nations pledging to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 to reduce carbon emissions.
Aging reactors increase urgency for new builds
Britain’s nuclear fleet generates about 15% of electricity in 2024. The country runs nine reactors, but eight will close by 2030. New projects are underway but will take years to begin producing power. Hinkley Point C should start operating in the early 2030s. Sizewell C will follow later that decade and could power six million homes. The UK also develops small modular reactors that can be built faster than traditional plants. France plans at least six new reactors. China has nearly 30 under construction. The US completed its first new reactor in over 30 years last year. Japan plans nuclear to supply a fifth of its electricity by 2040 after restarting its programme. Germany focuses on hydrogen and other renewables instead.
Public concerns over nuclear safety persist
Nuclear energy remains divisive. Memories of Fukushima and the 1986 Chernobyl disaster continue to shape public debate and perceptions of safety.
