Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Small Modular Reactors and Energy Security

19 January 2022 · 7 other contributors · 4,990 words

Opened by Virginia Crosbie Con Ynys Môn

Responding minister: Greg Hands

ClimateEnergy

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Virginia Crosbie raised concerns about small modular reactors and energy security in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Virginia Crosbie expressed concern over the UK's dependence on foreign energy sources, citing a recent interconnector fire as an example of energy security risks.
  • She urged the government to include a commitment to deploying at least ten Rolls-Royce SMRs by 2035-36 in the upcoming nuclear road map.
  • The minister acknowledged the importance of small modular reactors in achieving energy security and net zero emissions, reiterating the government's ambitious climate change target of a 78% emissions reduction by 2035.

Key requests to Government

Virginia Crosbie calls on the Government to commit in the upcoming nuclear road map to deploying a fleet of at least 10 Rolls-Royce SMRs by 2035-36. She also requests that BEIS should instruct the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Magnox to begin detailed discussion on the sale of land on nuclear sites to Rolls-Royce as soon as possible, allowing parallel licensing and siting for other SMR technologies.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Virginia Crosbie Con Ynys Môn

Virginia Crosbie is concerned about the UK's overreliance on foreign energy sources, which has led to soaring energy prices during winter. She highlights that a fire at the Kent interconnector connecting the UK with French power systems highlighted the fragility of our energy security when relying on other countries for production. Furthermore, she notes the existential crisis facing the UK due to an overreliance on gas from unstable regions and the need to develop indigenous supply compatible with COP26 commitments.

Other contributors (7)
  • Alun Cairns Con Vale of Glamorgan

    Supports the export potential of small modular reactors and prioritises Anglesey as a site for nuclear investment. Asks if an early intervention will yield significant benefits in terms of exports.

  • Bill Cash Con Stone

    Congratulates Virginia Crosbie on her work in championing small modular reactors and the Nuclear Industry Association.

  • Chris Skidmore Con Kingswood

    Chris Skidmore intervened to highlight the importance of hydrogen in energy development. He invited Virginia Crosbie to visit Caithness and see how hydrogen can be linked with nuclear, potentially leading to pink hydrogen.

  • Damian Collins Con Hereford and South Herefordshire

    Reinforces that sites like Dungeness A, which is in advanced decommissioning, could be suitable for SMRs if the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority can enter into negotiations with Rolls-Royce.

  • Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    Highlights the importance of small modular reactors to Caithness, mentioning Dounreay and current nuclear jobs. Discusses the potential for SMRs to create hydrogen when renewables are producing. Invites the Minister to visit Caithness where he would receive a warm welcome from trade councils and civic leaders regarding SMRs.

  • Jill Mortimer Labour Co-op Hartlepool

    Supports the idea of SMRs replacing decommissioned nuclear reactors quickly to preserve high-skilled jobs in areas familiar with nuclear technology. The UK is experiencing an energy crisis with astronomical global gas prices. Nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), could revolutionise the UK's energy system by offering security and reliability, boosting the economy with £52 billion in contributions, 40,000 jobs, and unlocking a market worth £250 billion. Concerns over safety, waste management, and cost are largely misguided: nuclear waste is safely stored compared to other forms of electricity production; the risk of mortality from radiation exposure is minimal; and balancing the grid during uncertain gas prices is more costly than building new reactors.

  • Robin Millar Con Aberconwy

    Urges the Minister to meet with farmers in Wales regarding rising energy bills, which can increase by up to £1,000 a month due to high energy costs.

Government Response

Greg Hands

I congratulate the hon. Member for Ynys Môn on securing this important debate. She made a fantastic speech, highlighting the role of small modular reactors in energy security and reaching net zero emissions. The Government set into law the world's most ambitious climate change target, aiming to achieve a 78% reduction in our emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. To achieve this commitment, nuclear is undoubtedly going to play a key role. The recently published net zero strategy sets out how the UK will deliver its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, and it is clear that nuclear is an important part of our plans. The Government announced £210 million for Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd to further develop the design for one of the world's first small modular reactor designs, with funding matched by private investment. The Department and the Department for International Trade are working closely with the company to support it into overseas markets, and UK Export Finance has indicated its willingness to provide cover to Rolls-Royce. The Government plan to invest in advanced modular reactor research, development and demonstration programme, aiming to enable an AMR demonstration by the early 2030s. The Prime Minister set out to the CBI that we intend to consult on including nuclear in the draft technical standards for our own UK green taxonomy, allowing billions to flow into this essential technology. The Government support the development of small modular reactors and the opportunities they offer in terms of energy security and reaching net zero emissions.

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