Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Power: Innovation
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of alignment with EU Single Electricity Market regulations on the ability of the UK to innovate on commercial nuclear (a) fission and (b) fusion technologies.
Answered by Michael Shanks
The detailed scope of alignment will be determined through negotiations.
The Secretary of State’s priority is to drive delivery in the sector, including through the Government’s approach to nuclear fission—taking a Final Investment Decision on Sizewell C, driving forward the Small Modular Reactor programme, launching the Advanced Nuclear Framework, and unlocking delivery through the Nuclear Regulatory Review.
The UK’s fusion strategy, backed by over £2.5bn of investment, is accelerating growth of the UK fusion industry to capture the economic and strategic benefits of fusion, through a globally competitive supply chain; UK based power plant design, subsystems and systems integration capabilities; and demonstrating commercial viability through STEP.
This government is developing world-leading nuclear expertise and supply chains and unlocking a golden age of nuclear while supporting thousands of good jobs in our communities.
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