Complex regulations push costs to record levels
The UK now ranks as the most expensive country in the world to build nuclear plants, according to a government review. The report blames overly complex rules for inflating costs and delaying projects. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commissioned the review to push a radical reset of nuclear policy. The taskforce says streamlined regulations could save Britain tens of billions and reverse years of decline. The government plans major nuclear projects to secure energy supplies and meet net-zero targets.
Fragmented oversight drives delays and overspending
The review highlights a fragmented safety system with no clear industry-wide authority. This approach produces conservative, costly decisions that exceed actual risks. The authors describe a near-monopolistic sector prone to overruns and long delays in civil and defence programmes. Nuclear power remains vital for Britain’s energy future. The report warns that the UK risks missing a global nuclear revival. It also notes rules remain excessively cautious, including strict limits on worker radiation exposure.
One-stop nuclear authority proposed
The taskforce recommends creating a single commission with unified decision-making powers for all nuclear projects. Chair John Fingleton says the reforms are bold but necessary. He argues simpler rules can maintain or improve safety while delivering capacity faster and at lower cost. The government plans to address the findings in this month’s Budget. Many major economies are reviewing nuclear strategies. Planned and proposed reactors worldwide now match the number already operating. The UK joins 30 nations pledging to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 to reduce carbon emissions.
Aging reactors heighten urgency for new builds
Britain’s nuclear fleet provides about 15% of electricity in 2024. The country runs nine reactors, but eight will close by 2030. New projects are underway but will take years to start producing power. Hinkley Point C should begin operating in the early 2030s. Sizewell C will follow later that decade and could power six million homes. The UK also develops small modular reactors that can be built faster than traditional plants. France plans at least six new reactors. China has nearly 30 under construction. The US completed its first new reactor in over 30 years last year. Japan aims to supply a fifth of its electricity from nuclear by 2040 after restarting its programme. Germany focuses instead on hydrogen and other renewables.
Public opinion shaped by past nuclear disasters
Nuclear energy continues to divide the public. Memories of Fukushima and the 1986 Chernobyl disaster still influence debate and shape perceptions of industry safety.
