Plans for a clean economic recovery and the goal of net zero by 2050 need commitment to new nuclear power stations in the UK, but the government must introduce clear long-term policies and progress must be made on a funding model, a report published on Wednesday says.
According to the report, compiled by the London-based Nuclear Industry Association and members of the Nuclear Industry Council, prompt decisions on a new nuclear power programme could unlock mega-projects delivering immediate benefits to help tackle the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
An ambitious programme – based on existing and new technologies – could provide up to 40% of clean power by 2050 and drive deeper decarbonisation through the creation of hydrogen and other clean fuels, along with district heating.
It could eventually bring as many as 300,000 jobs and £33bn of added annual economic value.
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