Mixed response to planning reforms making it easier to build nuclear reactors
Mixed response to planning reforms making it easier to build nuclear reactors
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Unions and business leaders have welcomed the proposed changes in planning rules that could make it easier to construct new nuclear reactors, but environmentalists hit out at the plans. Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect union, said: "The Government’s ambition to drive forward a new generation of nuclear power after decades of delay is exactly what Britain needs.". GMB general secretary Gary Smith was equally supportive, stating: "GMB has long said there can be no net zero without new nuclear. For too long, the failure to deliver new nuclear has weakened our energy security and undermined economic growth.
"Sizewell C stands ready and waiting for the green light to power up our country’s future. Now we need to see spades in the ground without delay. "It is also vital that the voices of workers and their communities in Sellafield, Wylfa, Hartlepool and beyond are at the heart of decisions on the future of these key national sites.". Jonathan Geldart, director general of the Institute of Directors, said: "The Government is right to identify nuclear power as a crucial contributor to the UK’s future electricity needs.
"This development shows the right desire to overcome the significant challenges involved in building back nuclear at scale, in terms of planning obstacles and project delivery. Despite these challenges, today’s announcement marks a significant move forward.". Dr Doug Parr, policy director for Greenpeace UK, was critical of the Labour Government's nuclear policies: "The Labour Government has swallowed nuclear industry spin whole, seemingly without applying so much as a pinch of critical scrutiny or asking for a sprinkling of evidence. They present as fact things which are merely optimistic conjecture on small nuclear reactor cost, speed of delivery and safety.
"Which is courageous – or stupid – given that not a single one has been built, and with the nuclear industry’s record of being over time and over budget unmatched by any other sector, and as for the unsolved problem of nuclear waste management, Government don’t see the need to mention it at all.". Cathal O’Rourke, group chief executive of construction giant Laing O’Rourke, said: "This announcement is a significant step forward for the UK’s nuclear industry. The clarity provided by these new planning rules, the focus on streamlining the regulatory process and the emphasis on standardising reactor designs is precisely the sort of clear, unequivocal direction the industry needs.".
