The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Nuclear Energy has published its paper this week ‘Net Zero Needs Nuclear: A Roadmap to 2024.’ The paper outlines action required from Government to restore nuclear capacity with deployable technologies by the early 2030s, with the intention of cutting emissions, creating tens of thousands high quality jobs, and securing the UK’s world class nuclear skills base.
The report states ‘The nuclear industry is ideally placed to support the Government’s twin goals of levelling up the UK economy and cutting emissions; 78% by 2035, hitting net zero in 2050. Nuclear is the most powerful and jobs-rich form of low-carbon energy. The industry has saved the equivalent of six years of national carbon emissions, more than any other source, while 90% of its jobs are outside London and the South East at a GVA per worker of £100,000. Hinkley Point C, for instance, has already generated more than £3 billion of investment in the South West and provided training for hundreds of apprentices. The project will ultimately sustain 71,000 jobs throughout the supply chain and power 6 million homes from a quarter of a square mile. A new programme of nuclear investment can bring that kind of opportunity to all parts of this country.’
The paper pushes for more action from Government on securing a financing model for new nuclear, and outlines it’s ask for two large-scale projects to reach Final Investment Decision, instead of the one which was outlined in the Energy White Paper. Government is also asked to identify and support the specific projects that can deliver new capacity. In addition, Alongside the nuclear industry is tasked with continuing its work to reduce costs on new projects at least 30% by 2030, in line with existing commitments.
John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle said, ‘I welcome this report and am in full support of the call to action to Government. This is a great opportunity to meet the Government’s ambitions to level up across the country, reach net zero, and to build back better after Covid-19 by creating thousands of new and skilled green jobs. Carlisle, and wider Cumbria is in a prime position to benefit directly from the supply chain connected to the industry and we must ensure we continue through local training providers and colleges to match skills training to the requirements of the emerging jobs’.