The recently published UK Energy Security Strategy places increased emphasis on nuclear power , together with renewable energy . The UK Government intends to radically change how it delivers new nuclear projects and is targeting 24GW of nuclear-generated energy by 2050 .

The UK currently has eight designated sites at Hinkley , Sizewell , Heysham , Hartlepool , Bradwell , Wylfa , Oldbury and Moorside . During this parliament , the government intends to take one project to Full Investment Decision , and two projects in the next – including Small Modular Reactors ( SMRs ).

In November 2021 , the government announced it is investing £ 210mn to develop SMRs with Rolls-Royce , which , together with Resources UK and Exelon Generation , will invest £ 195mn over three years . Commercial operation is slated for the early 2030s .

SMRs are defined as nuclear reactors generally 300MWe equivalent or less , designed with modular technology using module factory fabrication .

Given their smaller footprint , SMRs can be sited on locations not suitable for larger nuclear power plants . Prefabricated units of SMRs can be manufactured and then shipped and installed on site , making them more affordable to build than large power

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Energy Magazine June 2022 | Page 87

The recently published UK Energy Security Strategy places increased emphasis on nuclear power , together with renewable energy . The UK Government intends to radically change how it delivers new nuclear projects and is targeting 24GW of nuclear-generated energy by 2050 .