The government has promised a “massive revival” of nuclear power, and has unveiled details of how to get there with its new arm's-length nuclear body, which will “drive the rapid expansion of new nuclear power plants in the UK”.
Great British Nuclear (GBN) was officially launched on 18th July, alongside a competition for funding and support to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology. It's being billed, probably rightly, as an opportunity to generate vast revenue both for the public and private sector in the race for viable alternative energy sources.
Appealing to investors, the government has advised that "unlike conventional reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster, and less expensive."
Backing their position, the government has also pledged to provide up to £157m in grant funding to support the nuclear industry. This includes up to £77.1m to back business development for advanced nuclear technology, as well as to support designs to enter UK regulation.
Big names already involved in the sector in the UK include Rolls-Royce, who are leading a consortium to develop SMR reactors, which includes contractors Laing O’Rourke and Bam Nuttall.
So, what do you think? Is it an investment your company would make? We look forward to finding out more.
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