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Stressed the need to revisit site lists considering changes in technology since 2011 and highlighted opportunities for small modular reactors at existing nuclear sites, advocating that these technologies should not be confined by past criteria.
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Asked whether there ought to be greater latitude when considering small modular reactors (SMRs), questioning if British industry is being hindered compared to the US in terms of support and development speed.
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Supported SMRs but stressed that Rolls-Royce must not receive preferential treatment, emphasising the importance of safety through generic design assessment by the Office for Nuclear Regulation. She highlighted local job creation and skill development as critical factors.
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Advocated for persuading people about the suitability of SMRs outside conventional nuclear sites, citing Dungeness and Trawsfynydd as examples to convey that small modular reactors can be used in various areas.
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The hon. Member for Cowdenbeath approaches the debate by criticising the nuclear road map as a fantasy, citing market failures and over budget projects in Europe. He argues that EDF's cost estimates for Hinkley Point C have escalated from £18 billion to £48 billion with completion pushed back to 2031, indicating potential financial instability for the project. Brown highlights uncertainties regarding Sizewell C's costs and environmental challenges. He also questions the Government’s two funding models outlined in the road map and expresses concerns over radioactive waste disposal.
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Supports SMRs as a crucial component of reaching net zero, with economic benefits including potential export markets. He calls for further clarity on the roadmap and timelines from the Government to ensure industry confidence in investment. Emphasises the importance of learning from past procurement issues when developing strategies for SMR deployment.
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Emphasised the importance of net zero and energy security, discussed cost of electricity in the UK, highlighted issues with decommissioned power stations and potential for new developments at Wylfa and Trawsfynydd. Also mentioned socioeconomic benefits such as employment opportunities and reduction in local property taxes due to large-scale power stations.
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Expressed cautious enthusiasm about nuclear energy, highlighted a personal link through Ernest Rutherford's connection with New Zealand. Suggested the need for more proactive measures rather than constant reviews and slow progress in building nuclear stations.
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Bardell emphasises the importance of energy security but argues against nuclear power, citing high costs and delays in projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. She highlights Scotland's success with renewable energy, noting that wind power has been sufficient to meet Scotland's needs and even supply England. Bardell criticises the lack of proven technology for small modular reactors (SMRs) proposed in the road map and expresses concern over nuclear waste management. She concludes by advocating for a comprehensive green energy strategy focusing on renewables.
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I congratulate Damian Collins on securing this timely debate. The Labour Party supports nuclear development in the UK's low-carbon economy, but questions remain about how and where new plants will be built. Since 2009, there have been significant delays with no new nuclear power generated despite efforts to secure sites for new reactors. Hinkley Point is ten years late, Sizewell C lacks financial closure, yet Sizewell B may receive a 20-year extension. The Government's commitment of £2.5 billion to Sizewell C has not led to any construction progress. There are positive developments with small modular reactors (SMRs) in Teesside but these require clear planning and site allocation. An updated EN-7 strategic planning statement is needed, which should provide criteria for new reactor sites and ensure compatibility with the future energy mix. The development of alternative nuclear fuels like high-assay low-enriched uranium is vital and progressing well at Springfields facilities. However, delays in establishing a geological disposal facility (GDF) persist despite earlier promises made under both Labour and Conservative governments.
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Reiterates that the issue of nuclear waste storage is not complex, as demonstrated by Finland's existing facility. Urges for decisive action on establishing a geological disposal facility in the UK to address concerns about radioactive waste management.
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The UK aims to achieve up to 24 GW of nuclear power generation by 2050, which is four times the current production. This includes large-scale gigawatt reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), and advanced modular reactors. The Government have committed £1.3 billion more for Sizewell C, bringing the total to £2.5 billion. Great British Nuclear has launched a technology selection process for SMRs, and six companies are in the next stage of the process. New sites will be identified sustainably with updated site assessment criteria to ensure suitability for new nuclear programmes. The Department aims to confirm projects during consultation progress, emphasising cautious planning and community engagement.
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Acknowledged the Minister’s remarks on visiting Dungeness power station and the Pilot Inn. Emphasised that to achieve the Government's nuclear ambitions, more sites than currently listed will be required. Suggested it would be helpful if the Government provided some indication of potential new site locations.