The debate surrounding the build of new nuclear power stations
Within the next 15 years, the UK is expected to lose up to 30% of it's energy sources, as coal and nuclear power plants close down.
For many, nuclear provides an attractive option to problems we face, offering energy security while combating climate change.
So what investment is being made into nuclear power in the UK?
Two Designs
There are currently two designs going through the UK's Generic Design Assessment for approval:
- AREVA/EDF are hoping to build an EPR design, based on those already being built at Olkiluoto in Finland and Flamanville in France. It is a 1,600 Megawatt (MW) Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) design, and AREVA state the design has enhanced safety systems against core meltdown and external attacks. In 2008, when they launched their UK campaign Luc Oursel, President of AREVA NP said: "Our integrated offer, comprising reactor construction, complete fuel supply as well as vital waste management expertise, will enable us to offer all the services and fuel necessary for the operation of nuclear power plants. Our ambition is to build at least four and probably six reactors in the UK."
- Westinghouse is putting forward an American AP1000 design, which is an adaption of the traditional PWR design. It is a 1154 MW design which Westinghouse say uses simplicity of design and the forces of nature in order to ensure safety and reduce construction costs. There are currently plans for ten AP1000 reactors, four in China and six in the USA. Adrian Bull, Westinghouse's spokesman said: "By the time we get to the UK, we're looking at a commercial operation date of about 2019 - 2020, we'll have at least eight or nine reactors operating around the world and that gives a lot of confidence to the utilities like Horizon potentially, or perhaps others, that the power station they want to build in the UK will be treading in well trodden, well established footsteps."
Investing Companies
Two companies are hoping to build new reactors on sites in the UK:
- EDF have two sites proposed for development, Hinkley Point in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk, and propose to build up to four EPR reactors between the two sites. They are in partnership with Centrica, who will have a 20% stake in any new build plans, although all running of plants will be left to EDF. They have pledged to have the first reactor at Hinkley Point running by 2017.
- Horizon Nuclear is a joint venture between E.on and N power and is currently in discussions with both Westinghouse and AREVA regarding their two sites, Oldbury in Gloucestershire and Wylfa in North Wales. When Horizon announced details of their programme, Alan Rayment, Chief Operating Officer said: "Each development would deliver up to 800 direct permanent jobs and around 5,000 during the construction period. This will bring a major economic boost to both local economies and cement their reputation as nuclear centres of excellence for generations to come."
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