New and Advanced
Nuclear Power
(Filton and Bradley Stoke)
(Con)
19. What steps his Department is taking to deliver new and
advanced nuclear power in the UK. (900402)
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy ()
As my hon. Friend knows, for the first time in 20 years we are
committed to much more nuclear capacity than we have ever seen,
and the target of 24 GW by 2050 is ambitious but perfectly
achievable.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that an early decision to
announce the commissioning of the first small modular reactors,
built by Rolls-Royce
will provide additional investment in our national
infrastructure, more jobs and, crucially, help to secure our
sovereign energy independence of supply?
Earlier this year I was delighted to announce investment—£210
million as I remember—in Rolls-Royce
and the SMRs, as well as advanced nuclear reactors, represent an
exciting development in new nuclear. Looking at Labour Members, I
must say that it is gratifying to see nuclear power being
defended, as under their watch nuclear power was denuded and
derided.
(Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
(SNP)
Hinkley Point C is 50% over budget and running years late. The
Government cannot get investment for Sizewell C, and their impact
assessment states that a new nuclear power station could cost £63
billion. Is the former Energy Minister, the right hon. Member for
Hereford and South Herefordshire (), correct to say that it is
utter fantasy to pretend that this Government can deliver a new
nuclear reactor each year?
The strategy is committed to 24 GW, and it is about large-scale
nuclear and SMRs, which my hon. Friend the Member for Filton and
Bradley Stoke () referred to. It will be a
balance, and we feel that we can reach that. It is rich of
Scottish National party Members to deride our nuclear programme
when they do not even agree with it. They think the whole thing
is a complete waste of time. Where else would we find
decarbonised baseload? They do not have the answer to that.
