Will new nuclear shore up our energy supply or is it just a distraction from cheap renewables?

The UK government has outlined bold plans for a fleet of new nuclear power stations, with a particular focus on small modular reactors, as part of its net zero strategy. Advocates for nuclear power highlight its potential to reduce our reliance on volatile fossil fuels, cut emissions, and provide firm power to the grid. Detractors point to cost overruns and delays of new nuclear projects around the world.

How can we make sure we see the benefits of new nuclear quickly and keep projects running on budget and time? Do we need to change the planning process to unlock new projects faster? Where should new nuclear be built and how can we ensure communities see the benefits of this? And are there other cheaper and quicker-to-build energy forms we should be prioritising over new nuclear?

Our panellists will include CEN MP Virginia Crosbie and Ben Hopkinson, Policy Researcher at Britain Remade.