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| Fig. 1: Annual UK electricity generation from nuclear energy by year. (Image source: A. Taoube, after Santos and Smith. [6]) |
In order to achieve the United Kingdom's ambitious commitment to attain net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, a radical overhaul of its energy landscape is undoubtedly necessary. Nuclear energy, a reliable, low-carbon power source is set to play a role in this energy transition. The UK has set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The 2050 net-zero ambition encompasses a vision for a fully sustainable economy, requiring a multifaceted approach that includes technological innovation, policy reform, and societal transformation, with nuclear energy poised as a key element. [1]
The share of electricity generation from nuclear energy in the UK has been decreasing since the 1990s, reaching a peak in 1995 at 88.7 Twh and sitting at 50.3 Twh in 2020, a 43% decrease (Fig. 1). This is largely due to several older plants nearing the end of their operational life, and high costs and public fear over nuclear accidents such as Chernobyl hindering the construction of new plants. The UK's nuclear sector remains an important part of the country's overall energy security, supplying about 16% of the nation's electricity in recent years. This number is set to increase thanks to the construction of new projects, such as Hinkley Point C, which is expected to provide around 7% of the UK's electricity once operational. [2] The UK aims to increase deployment of civil nuclear to represent 25% of projected electricity demand by 2050. [3] Overall, Hinkley Point C, coupled with additions such as Small Modular Reactors will go a long way towards reversing the decline of nuclear energy electricity generation and underscores the essential role of nuclear power in achieving the UKs net-zero objectives.
Transitioning to nuclear energy as a cornerstone of the net-zero strategy presents several challenges, including the high initial capital costs, which for projects like Hinkley Point C have been estimated at approximately 22 billion pounds, and public concerns around safety and waste management. Robust policy frameworks, community engagement, and investment in Research and Development may help to mitigate these challenges. The nuclear sectors expansion is poised to drive economic growth, potentially creating over 10,000 jobs and positioning the UK as a global leader in clean energy technologies. [4]
In addition, nuclear energy may support the wider electrification of the economy, especially in decarbonizing sectors such as transport, heating, and industrial processes, which would be a great boon to the UK; some projections suggest that achieving a fully electrified transport sector could reduce the UKs carbon emissions by up to 40%. [5]
The UK's net-zero emissions target by 2050 represents a bold commitment to combat climate change. Nuclear energy, with its unique attributes of stability, low carbon emissions, and scalability, is set to play a large role in this transition.
Achieving net-zero by 2050 is a formidable challenge, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated effort across all sectors of society. Utilizing nuclear energy may help the UK to move towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy system.
© Ali Taoube. The author warrants that the work is the author's own and that Stanford University provided no input other than typesetting and referencing guidelines. The author grants permission to copy, distribute and display this work in unaltered form, with attribution to the author, for noncommercial purposes only. All other rights, including commercial rights, are reserved to the author.
[1] H. Alderson, G. R. Cranston, and G. P. Hammond, "Carbon and Environmental Footprinting of Low Carbon UK Electricity Futures to 2050," Energy 48, 96 (2012).
[2] W. Bodel et al., "Delivering Advanced Nuclear Energy: the Role of Government," University of Manchester, August 2022.
[3] C. Ganzer and N. Mac Dowell, "Pathways to Net Zero For Power and Industry in the UK," Int. J. Greenh. Gas Control 125, 103887 (2023).
[4] D. S. Renné, "Progress, Opportunities and Challenges of Achieving Net-Zero Emissions and 100% Renewables," Sol. Compass 1, 100007 (2022).
[5] K. G. Logan et al., "Decarbonising UK Transport: Implications For Electricity Generation, Land Use and Policy," Trans. Res. Interdiscip. Perspect. 17, 100736 (2023).
[6] G. Santos and O. Smith, "Electric Vehicles and the Energy Generation Mix in the UK: 2020 - 2050," Energy Rep. 9, 5612 (2023).