UK identified as world's most expensive country for nuclear plant construction

A comprehensive government review has determined that the United Kingdom has become the world's most expensive nation for constructing nuclear power facilities, prompting calls for substantial regulatory reforms to control costs and accelerate project timelines. The Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce, established by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, identified overly complex and fragmented regulations as primary drivers of excessive expenses and delays in the country's nuclear energy sector.

Regulatory Challenges and Proposed Solutions

The taskforce's report, published Sunday, characterized the current regulatory framework as burdened by complexity and recommended creating a unified authority to coordinate nuclear decision-making processes. The review advocated for a "radical reset" of existing procedures and suggested that aligning UK risk standards with international norms could generate savings of "tens of billions of pounds" while revitalizing the nation's declining nuclear industry.

Current Nuclear Projects and Future Plans

Britain is advancing several nuclear initiatives to ensure long-term energy security and meet its net-zero emissions commitments. The Hinkley Point C facility in Somerset is scheduled to commence operations in the early 2030s, followed by the Sizewell C project later in the decade. The government is additionally supporting development of small modular reactors as a more flexible alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear plants.

Global Context and Government Response

Taskforce chair John Fingleton warned that the UK risks falling behind other nations participating in what he described as a global "nuclear renaissance," noting that France plans to construct at least six new reactors, China has nearly 30 under development, and Japan has resumed its nuclear program after a ten-year hiatus. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband endorsed the findings, committing to a "new golden age of nuclear" while emphasizing the importance of delivering reforms that enable safe, affordable nuclear expansion.