The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) is calling for more awareness around the benefits of nuclear to keep the UK’s grid stable.
The UK’s gas price is the highest since December 2022. However, as gas typically sets market price for electricity, the strain on the UK’s electricity system highlights the country’s need for more sovereign baseload power.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “What we are seeing is the grid struggling because there is not enough nuclear baseload in the system. The costs we all have to pay in our bills are governed by the gas markets and the weather, two things we don’t control.
“Having more nuclear is part of the answer to that, but for it to be delivered in a timely and cost-effective way, then we need the Fingleton reforms the government has stated it accepts to be implemented in full.
“That will remove duplication, distraction and delay, and ensure a fit for purpose regulatory approach which will give us more nuclear, more quickly and more cost-effectively.”
On Monday, NESO requested emergency assistance for more power – the largest request in three years.
Unlike wind or solar, nuclear reactors produce steady power 24/7 regardless of weather, darkness or wind speed, cutting the need for massive backup fossil or battery storage infrastructure.
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