Tag: Energy Security and Net Zero Department

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 6 February 2024.

New official statistics confirm UK has cut emissions by 50% between 1990 and 2022.

The UK is the first major economy to halve its emissions – having cut them by 50% between 1990 and 2022, while also growing its economy by 79% – new official statistics released today confirm.  This compares to a 23% reduction in France and no change in the USA between 1990 and 2021.

With renewables now accounting for more than 40% of the country’s electricity – up from just 7% in 2010, this shows the UK is leading the way on cleaner energy.

These reductions are largely due to cutting emissions from energy generation, through the shift away from using coal to using renewables. In 2012, coal provided almost 40% of UK electricity, but later this year, this will be zero.

The UK is over-delivering on its commitment to reduce emissions, having already slashed emissions by 50%. We have also cut emissions faster than any other G7 country over the last decade. This has allowed us to take a more realistic approach while reaching our green targets, to ease the burden on hardworking families.

But work isn’t stopping here – since September alone companies have announced plans for £30 billion of new investment across the energy sector, including to advance green technologies and support green industries of the future.

Not only has the UK cut emissions faster than any other major economy since 1990, but also has some of the most ambitious legally binding targets. We have also set more stretching targets for 2030 than most countries. We plan to cut emissions by 68% by 2030, which is more than the EU, Japan or the United States.

Today’s statistics also confirmed the UK has over-achieved on the third carbon budget – making this the third carbon budget target in a row for which the UK has over-achieved, as it did for the first and second carbon budgets.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

The UK is the first major economy – of the top 20 countries – to halve its emissions. This is an enormous achievement by itself but also because we have done this in a pragmatic way – growing our economy by 80% at the same time and protecting family finances.

We have also increased our renewables electricity generation from just 7% in 2010 to nearly 50% now.

With some of the most ambitious targets in the world, we should be proud that we’ve over-achieved on our carbon budget for the third time in a row. We will continue to meet out targets but in a pragmatic way that doesn’t clobber extra costs onto hard working families.

Today’s publication covers greenhouse gas emissions statistics up to 2022, and show total greenhouse gas emissions were 50% lower in 2022 than in 1990. Despite rises in some sectors from 2021 levels, as the UK continued to recover from COVID-19, 2022 saw an overall fall in greenhouse gas emissions in the UK – with a decrease of 3.5% from 2021, and 9.3% lower when compared to 2019, the most recent pre-pandemic year.

These statistics show the UK is making significant progress towards net zero. While statistics from recent years remain impacted by the unprecedented economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the long-term trend shows that UK is rapidly driving down emissions – meeting and exceeding its carbon targets.

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 January 2024.

New figures show applications to the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme in December jumped by 49% compared to the same month in 2022.

More people are taking advantage of increased heat pump grants with applications having risen by almost 50% compared to last year.

New figures released show the number of people applying through the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme in December jumped by 49% compared to the same month in 2022.

The scheme helps families make the switch from fossil fuel heating systems to a cleaner heat pump alternative, without a substantial upfront cost.

The surge in applications follows a 50% increase in grants for air source heat pumps announced by the Prime Minister in October last year. Grants for heat pumps were boosted to £7,500 making the scheme one of the most generous of its kind in Europe.

Energy Security Secretary, Claire Coutinho, said:

We recently made our Boiler Upgrade Scheme one of the most generous schemes in Europe. Applications are now up by nearly 50% compared to last year.

Helping people, rather than forcing them, to make the right choices for their homes will always be my priority.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:

These figures show more people want the cleaner heating and more stable bills you get with a heat pump.

Our approach to reaching net zero works and because of increased heat pump grants, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.

The figures released also show a regional breakdown of where heat pumps have been installed in England and Wales.

The South West has seen the most with 3,655 installations, followed by the South East (excluding London) with 3,605 and then the East with 2,452.

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 25 January 2024.

Homes and businesses to benefit from greener, low-cost heating as 4 new Green Heat Network projects receive a share of £80.6 million.

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 22 January 2024.

£1.3 billion additional investment in the nuclear plant, key to expanding nuclear energy in the UK and providing stable, cheaper and more secure power in the long-term.

The government has made an additional £1.3 billion available to support the construction of Sizewell C, which will create thousands of jobs and enough stable, cheaper and more secure power for up to 6 million homes. The largest funding package to date will allow early construction works to continue ahead of a final investment decision later this year.

The funding – made available from existing budgets – will support ongoing preparatory works such as improvements to roads and rail lines around the Suffolk site, ensuring the necessary local infrastructure is in place before full construction begins. Committing further government support at this stage will help the project stay on schedule and keep down overall costs.

The Development Consent Order (DCO) triggered by Sizewell C on 15 January gave the formal green light for construction to begin and released £250 million funding for initiatives for the local community and environment.

Investing an additional £1.3 billion consolidates the government’s position as the majority shareholder in the project, reached in December 2023. It follows a £700 million funding pledge in November 2022 and a further £511 million agreed last summer.

Earlier this month the government announced the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years, with the Civil Nuclear Roadmap setting out how the UK will quadruple nuclear power generation to up to 24GW by 2050. It commits to exploring another GW-scale power plant similar in scale to Sizewell C, simplifying regulation and building a fleet of Small Modular Reactors.

Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie said:

We are making fantastic progress on the next GW-scale power plant in the UK’s nuclear pipeline.

This investment injection means we can steam ahead with work on Sizewell C ahead of the final investment decision targeted later this year.

It’s a win for our energy security and sends a strong message to investors that Britain is serious about its low-carbon, homegrown nuclear-powered future, providing reliable, cheaper power for British families.

Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, Joint Managing Directors at Sizewell C, said:

This significant investment underlines the importance of Sizewell C for Britain and is a further sign of confidence in our team to deliver it. With the project now in construction, the funding means we can step up activity in Suffolk and deliver on our commitments to local communities.

Sizewell C will build on the huge contribution of Hinkley Point C in restarting nuclear construction in Britain. It will bring another big boost to British nuclear skills and training, putting the industry in an even better position to deliver the other projects this country needs for its low carbon future.

In addition to the 500 people employed so far, Sizewell C has plans to award 70% of the value of construction to UK businesses, helping to create thousands of jobs in Suffolk and nationwide. The project will also create 1,500 apprenticeships, helping to build the skills base to support the UK’s long-term plans for new nuclear.

Once operational, the plant will generate 3.2GW of electricity, equating to 7% of the UK’s needs and enough to power up to 6 million British households for over 60 years.

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 22 January 2024.

Over £190 million will be made available to help industry in the transition to net zero, reducing emissions as they switch to cleaner, cheaper energy.

A multi-million-pound package will help businesses across the UK to cut their emissions and energy bills.

Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan today (Monday 22 January) announced 12 winners from the Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan competition, who will each benefit from a share of up to £6 million to develop plans for a low carbon future.

This funding will give winning businesses and partners the chance to work together on plans to cut their emissions, learning from each other while also having access to technical advisors to prepare for adopting measures such as using hydrogen or carbon capture.

In particular, this will be targeted at projects outside of the UK’s major industrial areas – from a Yorkshire pet food manufacturer to a Poole ferry operator. Companies in dispersed locations away from industrial heartlands account for 55% of the country’s industrial emissions.

He also shared plans to open a new phase of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund later this month for a further £185 million, which will help companies transform their operations to run on cleaner, more secure energy – backing measures such as replacing inefficient equipment, installing electric furnaces and switching to hydrogen. The funding is ensuring businesses are supported in the transition to net zero, in a sustainable way and cost-effective way, securing green industrial jobs for the future.

Sectors including manufacturing and recycling – and for the first time controlled environment horticulture, industrial laundries and textile renting facilities – will be among those eligible for apply for this new support, as part of wider government efforts to meet the UK’s net zero targets.

Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said:

From manufacturing chemicals to food and drink, UK industry is at the heart of our economy.

With over £190 million available for businesses to make the move to cleaner, cheaper energy – and with 12 projects benefiting directly today – we are delivering the support they need to decarbonise.

I look forward to seeing the plans developed by the successful clusters and encourage other businesses to apply to our Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, which has already made awards to over 150 projects to help companies go green.

Today’s winners include:

• Shoreham Port Industrial Cluster, an established cluster with 175 businesses based on the 110-acre site, which will explore ways to reduce emissions and improve local air quality by working with local councils
• Industrial Decarbonisation for Northern Ireland (ID-NI), which will develop plans to help local businesses increase their productivity while also cutting emissions, embracing the opportunities that a low carbon future will offer
• Decarbonising the Midlands Aerospace Cluster (DMAC), who will work with key players in the region’s aerospace supply chain, identifying manufacturing processes that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and potential solutions

The Industrial Energy Transformation Fund will also offer support for businesses to switch to more energy efficient technologies through a new phase opening on Monday 29 January.

Previous winners have included:

• Pioneer Foods in Peterborough – a leading cereal manufacturer, to improve the energy efficiency of their 3 industrial ovens by replacing burners, minimising heat loss and installing new motors
• Cemineral in Lincolnshire – a supplier of cement products for housing and infrastructure, to convert its conveyance and processing systems to electric power, helping to reduce their carbon emissions
• Natural World Products in Dunmurry – a producer of peat-free composts and soil conditioners, to replace diesel-powered equipment with electric equivalents.

These announcements are part of the government’s commitment to spend more than £12 billion on energy efficiency by 2028, helping more households and businesses to benefit from lower bills and cleaner energy.

Further quotes

Shoreham Port Industrial Cluster LIDP

Tom Willis, Chief Executive of Shoreham Port, said:

We are delighted that the Shoreham Port Industrial Cluster has been successful in the Local Decarbonisation Plans Competition and will receive a portion of the £6 million awarded by the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero in partnership with Innovate UK. As a Trust Port, collaborative relationships with local, educational, and business communities remain key to our success. This funding will support us to create a tangible plan to decarbonise our Cluster, enabling us to act as a catalyst for regional emission reduction.

NEW- ID (Northeast Wales)

Ben Burggraaf, CEO of Net Zero Industry Wales, said:

Today’s funding announcement is another welcome step in the right direction for Welsh Industry’s journey to net zero. It will allow the region to continue to thrive at the industrial forefront of the UK, aided by the uptake of low carbon technologies — all while opening up a range of skills and employment opportunities.

We look forward to supporting the NEW-ID Plan which in turn, will support us in our mission to empower businesses to build greener futures. What’s more, we are confident that learnings from other live projects — such as the great work being delivered by SWIC, DDF and Net Zero North West — will allow us to maximise the Plan’s potential.

Decarbonising Midlands Aerospace Cluster

Dr Andrew Mair, Chief Executive at Midlands Aerospace Alliance, said:

Decarbonisation is essential to the future of the Midlands’ aerospace industry and we know the cluster’s responsibility in this area as well as the opportunities it brings. But it is notoriously hard to move fast in aerospace given tightly controlled sector-specific materials and processes for manufacturing aircraft parts that have a long in-service life. This provides a key challenge for the cluster which we are excited to tackle through this cluster decarbonisation project, with the ambitious aim of developing in detail credible and feasible solutions to reduce emissions in the region’s aerospace cluster.

Solent LIDP

Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of The Solent Cluster, said:

This announcement is great news for our region and for the decarbonisation ambitions for the whole of the UK.  Here in the Solent, the funding will be used to work with industry to ensure access to low-carbon hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage, at the same time as measuring wider economic benefits to the local region. Working together as The Solent Cluster, we have the potential to effect real change in energy production and consumption which will, in turn, secure existing livelihoods and create new green jobs, support energy resilience and affordability, and ensure the UK is at the forefront of the emerging low-carbon economy.

ID-NI (Northern Ireland)

Rachel Sankannawar, Head of Green Economy Development at Invest Northern Ireland, said:

We welcome today’s announcement which will bolster our efforts to unlock the economic possibilities of a low carbon future for Northern Ireland.

The funding provided will enable us to collaborate with key industry partners, our universities and all 11 Councils to develop and implement a comprehensive local industrial decarbonisation plan for Northern Ireland. The plan will not only enhance our competitiveness globally but support us to boost our productivity and contribute to reducing our emissions.

Innovate UK

Bryony Livesey, Challenge Director – Industrial Decarbonisation at Innovate UK, said:

Today’s announcement shows the keenness of businesses to collaborate on plans to decarbonise by forming local industrial clusters and working together to drive down emissions. This is a crucial step in tackling decarbonisation at dispersed sites on the UK’s journey towards net zero by 2050.

The press release issued by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero on 18 January 2024.

12 projects receive a share of up to £16 million from Green Home Finance Accelerator to help families improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Families will be able to access instant savings on their electricity bills through a new solar panel subscription service – one of 12 ground-breaking projects awarded funding today (Thursday 18 January).

Sunsave will receive £1.9 million of government funding to test its Electric Roof project, which aims to reduce the barriers to the widespread installation of solar panels.

Rather than an upfront cost of installing solar panels, homeowners will pay a monthly fee, covering their monitoring and maintenance. It will also include gaining access to ‘smart tariffs’ which offer households different electricity rates at different times of the day, increasing the savings available.

The 12 projects receiving funding today also include E.ON’s optimised Energy as a Service, receiving £1 million to pilot a one-stop-shop for energy advice and funding for up to 350 households for low-carbon technology such as heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage.

The awards form part of the Green Home Finance Accelerator programme, which aims to support new ways of giving families access to funding to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:

When energy bills reached record highs, we stepped in to lessen the burden on hardworking families across the country.

But we haven’t stopped there and these innovative projects will allow more families to save money and cut emissions.

We are always looking to test progressive ways to make energy saving measures more accessible and affordable, allowing people to make their homes greener and warmer.

Projects to receive a share of the £16 million government funding also include:

• Perenna, which will receive £888,000 to develop a long-term, fixed-rate ‘green mortgage’ incentivising customers to make their homes more energy efficient by offering a reduced mortgage rate
• Chameleon Technology’s HTC-Up project, which will receive £795,000 to provide domestic homeowners and landlords bespoke green loans and cashback rewards, to help make their properties more energy efficient
• Scroll Finance Limited’s Glocers Project, which will receive £1.5 million to pilot a project that uses equity in a home to provide a loan that funds the upfront costs of installing energy saving measures in a flexible and affordable way

Emma Harvey-Smith, Programme Director for the built environment at the Green Finance Institute, said:

Delivering a range of innovative and affordable financing solutions will help homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient, lowering bills and reducing emissions. Developing and piloting new green finance mechanisms to ensure they successfully support as wide a range of customers as possible, and unlock barriers to retrofit, will enable more energy efficiency home upgrades at pace and scale.

The GFI continues to play a central role in developing the market for financing a net zero and climate-resilient built environment across the UK and Europe, by catalysing finance markets to deliver on ambitious decarbonisation goals and driving real-economy impact.

The winning projects will operate until February 2025, implementing and testing their products with homeowners across the UK.

The £20 million Green Home Finance Accelerator is funded through the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 17 January 2024.

Eligible low income households urged to make sure they get £150 in Warm Home Discount before 29 February.

People on low incomes could benefit from a £150 rebate on their energy bills – and are being urged to act now where they need to, so they can get the support before this year’s scheme closes.

The help is available to over 3 million households across Great Britain that are most at risk of fuel poverty, with many receiving the discount automatically. However, some customers in England and Wales have been sent a letter asking them to confirm their details by calling the Warm Home Discount Helpline so they can check their eligibility and get the rebate.

To mark Big Energy Saving Week, Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway is today urging any of these households who need to provide more information to call the helpline by 29 February and get the support they are entitled to.

The scheme forms part of measures to keep costs down for families and put more money in their pockets. It targets support to protect those most at risk of fuel poverty this winter, following a significant drop in energy prices since their peak last year and the government delivering on its pledge to halve inflation – which is now at a 2-year low of 3.9%.

Tax cuts announced at the start of the year will also support 27 million people across the UK, meaning a household with 2 average earners will save nearly £1,000 a year.

Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway said:

We will always act to support the most vulnerable – and this means making sure those most in need are getting the right support.

Today, I am urging people on low incomes who have been notified about the Warm Home Discount to make sure they act now to get £150 off their energy bill.

Please check your letter and call our helpline before the end of February if you need to provide more information.

The government’s Warm Home Discount offers targeted energy bill support for those most in need. This includes low income pensioners and households in England and Wales with high energy costs.

These customers received a letter at the end of last year explaining the discount and instructions on any action they may need to take.

For the vast majority of these customers, the discount is automatically applied to bills between October 2023 and March 2024, or is available as a top-up voucher for those with a prepayment meter.

However, some people in England and Wales who received a letter and could qualify for the support have been asked ring the government helpline number provided in their letter to confirm their details. Customers can also find out more on the government’s Warm Home Discount gov.uk page and use the online eligibility checker to see if they qualify, or call the general Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.

In Scotland, customers on low incomes who have not received a letter may still be eligible and should apply via a different route, by contacting their energy supplier as soon as possible.

The support comes on top of wider action to protect vulnerable households, including a £900 payment for those on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioner households and an extra £150 available for those on disability benefits.

The government has also invested over £2 billion into the Household Support Fund over the last 2 years, increased the Local Housing Allowance Rate so £1.6 million private renters on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit gain an average of nearly £800 a year and £600 in tax-free cash for pensioner households to help with energy bills through Winter Fuel Payments.

Cold Weather Payments have also been triggered to help households receiving certain benefits to stay warm this winter. The scheme – which runs until March 2024 – provides low-income households with an automatic payment of £25 following periods of cold weather.

Anyone can access advice on how to reduce energy costs and heat their home for less via the government’s Help for Households website. This includes energy saving tips as part of the It All Adds Up campaign, which helped British households an estimated £120 million on their energy bills last winter.

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 16 January 2024.

Consultation launches on new Pumpwatch scheme that will make it easier for drivers to shop around for the cheapest fuel.

Millions of drivers will be able to get the latest petrol station prices at the click of a button, as the government sets out next steps to bring fair prices back to the pumps and transform how the UK shops for its fuel.

Consumers, retailers, and other organisations are today (16 January), being asked for views on the government’s proposals for the new Pumpwatch scheme which would see all fuel stations across the country legally required to share real-time price information with an organisation to be appointed by the government.

Under the new proposals, forecourts across the country will be legally required to share live information on their pump prices within 30 minutes of any change in price, which could save drivers 3p per litre on fuel by helping them find the best deal at the pump.

This freely available data will enable tech companies to develop new ways for the UK’s 41.2 million drivers to search for the cheapest fuel while on-the-go – via everyday mobile apps, online mapping platforms, journey planning tools, price comparison websites and in-car devices. A similar statewide scheme in Queensland, Australia saw drivers save on average $93 (£48) per year, by making it easier for them to shop around for fuel.

Forcing retailers to be transparent about how much they are charging and giving drivers access to price comparison technology – already widely used by customers when booking flights or buying insurance, for example – will help drive down prices by reigniting competition and empowering drivers to find the best deals.

The government has acted after some fuel retailers were found to be overcharging customers, and already there are signs that fairer deals are returning to forecourts. Since these interventions, fuel prices have fallen by an average of around 2p per litre every week between 13 November and 25 December, bringing petrol prices down to a level not seen since October 2021.

This comes as the government delivers its target to halve inflation – now at its lowest rate in 2 years at 3.9%, with fuel prices the main factor behind this slowdown.

It also comes on top of the government’s temporary extension to the 5p fuel duty cut announced last year, which has saved the average driver £200 over 2 years.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

Our work on competition and transparency is working. Drivers are now paying the lowest average price at the pump for 2 years.

We are forcing retailers to share live information on their prices within 30 minutes of any change in price, helping drivers to find the best deal at the pump.

This will put motorists back in the driving seat and bring much-needed competition back to the forecourts.

Twelve of the biggest retailers, including all 4 fuel-selling supermarkets, have already signed up to an interim voluntary scheme run by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to share their daily prices – with some news outlets and websites using this data to offer price comparisons.

Last year, a report by the CMA revealed some retailers had failed to pass on savings in oil prices – charging drivers 6p more per litre for fuel, which amounted to £900 million in extra costs in 2022 alone.

At the end of 2023, the government appointed the CMA as the body responsible for monitoring the road fuel market, to increase transparency and competition in fuel pricing. The watchdog will also shine a light on any attempt from retailers to overcharge drivers, advising government on any further action required to make competition work well.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho previously warned retailers against any attempt to hike up prices.

Minister for Energy Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway said:

We will always act to help keep costs down and ensure hardworking people are getting a fair deal.

Our plans are laying the foundations for new fuel finder tools, making it easy for drivers to find the cheapest deals.

I’m pleased that following government action, many retailers are already taking steps to help bring back competitive prices to the pumps.

Recent government statistics show that road fuel prices were around 5p per litre lower on 25 December compared to the start of the month. This continued a decline in prices, which decreased by an average of 2.1p per litre per week between 13 November and 25 December. Over the 4 weeks between 9 October and 6 November, petrol pump prices fell by 2.7p per litre. Prices then fell by 4.4p per litre over the 2 weeks between 13 and 27 November.

The consultation launched today also covers some elements of the CMA’s new role in monitoring the road fuel market. Industry have been asked for their views on several areas, including the topics the CMA will focus on, the frequency of reporting, and support to help businesses with the CMA’s information requests.

The government is also backing consumers through new legislation under Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill that will deliver on a manifesto commitment to tackle consumer rip-offs and bad business practices, including fake reviews and subscription traps. The Bill introduces new powers for the CMA to take action against bad business practices more quickly, without needing lengthy court action and with penalties for those breaking consumer law.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said:

This is a really important day as it should pave the way for fairer fuel pricing for everyone who drives.

Sadly, there have been far too many occasions where drivers have lost out at the pumps when wholesale prices have fallen significantly and those reductions haven’t been passed on quickly enough or fully enough by retailers.

We badly need to see competition in the wider market match that of Northern Ireland where fuel prices are consistently 5p cheaper.

Edmund King OBE, AA president, said:

The AA commends the government for addressing the issue of unfair pump prices that we have been raising for some time. The brazen price disparity of sometimes 10p a litre or more between neighbouring towns had to end. Pumping up profits by hanging on to the savings from lower fuel costs while consumers, businesses and inflation were denied the relief was quite simply unforgivable.

The government’s proposal should stimulate fairer pricing through free market competition and takes advantage of latest information technology. It gives leeway to fuel retailers to price according to their circumstances but, by directing motoring consumers to where they can get their fuel at a better price, keeps competitive pressure on the trade.

Notes to editors

The CMA published its interim road fuel monitoring update on 9 November . This was followed by Energy Security Secretary’s Claire Coutinho warning to retailers against any attempt to hike up prices at the pump. The AA recently reported on trends showing a recent drop in fuel prices.

Read and respond to the consultation on the open data scheme and ongoing monitoring function for road fuel prices.

The impact assessment published today alongside the open data scheme consultation shows that the open data scheme could help deliver a 3p per litre saving on petrol and diesel prices for consumers.

Additional information on the 12 fuel retailers to who have signed up to share their daily pricing information, as part of the CMA’s voluntary data scheme.

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 11 January 2024.

Roadmap sets out how UK will increase nuclear generation by up to 4 times to 24GW by 2050.

The government today outlines plans for the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years to reduce electricity bills, support thousands of jobs and improve UK energy security – including exploring building a major new power station and investing in advanced nuclear fuel production.

In the 2 years since Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the government has doubled down on security of supply to protect the country from price volatility and hostile foreign regimes and bolster the UK’s energy independence.

The Civil Nuclear Roadmap will give industry certainty of the future direction of the UK’s ambitious nuclear programme, on top of the government’s historic commitment to Sizewell C and world-leading competition to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

The roadmap sets out how the UK will increase generation of this homegrown supply of clean, reliable, and abundant energy by up to 4 times to 24 gigawatts (GW) by 2050 – enough to provide a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs.

The plans include next steps for exploring a GW-scale power plant as big as Sizewell in Suffolk or Hinkley in Somerset, which are capable of powering 6 million homes each.

The government will also invest up to £300 million in UK production of the fuel required to power high-tech new nuclear reactors, known as HALEU, currently only commercially produced in Russia.

As the first country in Europe to launch a HALEU programme, the UK will lead the way from its North West production hub to provide the world with this form of uranium fuel, with the first plant aiming to be operational early in the next decade. This builds on the ambition to return uranium conversion to the Springfields nuclear fuel site, both of which are critical to pushing Putin out of the global market.

An additional £10 million will be provided to develop the skills and sites needed to produce other advanced nuclear fuels in the UK, helping to secure long term domestic nuclear fuel supply and support our allies.

The roadmap also includes a government ambition to secure 3 – 7GW worth of investment decisions every 5 years from 2030 to 2044 on new nuclear projects.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

Nuclear is the perfect antidote to the energy challenges facing Britain – it’s green, cheaper in the long term and will ensure the UK’s energy security for the long-term.

This is the right long-term decision and is the next step in our commitment to nuclear power, which puts us on course to achieve net zero by 2050 in a measured and sustainable way.

This will ensure our future energy security and create the jobs and skills we need to level up the country and grow our economy.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, said:

Strengthening our energy security means that Britain will never again be held to ransom over energy by tyrants like Vladimir Putin. British nuclear, as one of the most reliable, low-carbon sources of energy around, will provide that security.

We’re making the biggest investment in domestic nuclear energy in 70 years. Our £300 million plan to produce advanced nuclear fuel in the UK will supply nuclear plants at home and overseas – further weakening the Kremlin’s grip on global energy markets.

From large gigawatt projects to small modular reactors, the UK’s wider nuclear revival will quadruple our nuclear capacity by 2050 – helping to power Britain from Britain.

Plans to streamline the development of new power stations and introduce smarter regulation could speed up the overall process and, as a result, the delivery of nuclear power in the UK. This includes allowing regulators to assess projects while designs are finalised, and better join-up with overseas regulators assessing the same technology.

Ministers will bring together the brightest and best from the nuclear industry and beyond as part of a ‘hackathon’ event to come up with ideas on how government and industry can accelerate new nuclear projects, while maintaining the highest levels of safety and security.

These plans will help build new supplies of affordable and clean domestic power so the transition to net zero doesn’t mean higher prices, protecting households from global instability.

The government is also today publishing 2 consultations, one on a new approach to siting future nuclear power stations and another on supporting the sector and encouraging private investment to roll out advanced nuclear projects. The proposals will attract investment in the UK nuclear sector by empowering developers to find suitable sites rather than focusing on 8 designated by government. Community engagement will remain critical to any decisions, alongside maintaining robust criteria such as nearby population densities.

Following its launch last year, Great British Nuclear (GBN) will drive the UK’s nuclear ambitions forward, including through the game-changing SMR competition which will soon invite short-listed companies to tender.

Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories, and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive. Alongside large gigawatt power stations, SMRs will play a key role in delivering on the expansion of UK nuclear capacity.

As well as powering homes, innovations in the nuclear sector could provide direct heat for industry, energy for green hydrogen production, and medical isotopes for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Analysis by the Nuclear Skills Strategy Group suggests that to reach up to 24GW, the civil and defence nuclear workforce will need to double over the next 20 years – supporting around 80,000 additional skilled jobs across the UK.

The Nuclear Skills Taskforce will shortly set out plans to meet the demand of an industry – already worth £6 billion to the British economy – which is likely to include increasing the numbers of graduates and apprentices and attracting mid-careerists with relevant skills and expertise.

Minister for Nuclear Andrew Bowie said:

The government’s investment in nuclear will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of technological developments.

Our plans will give investors the confidence to back new UK projects, with a simpler process for locating new schemes and clear support for private sector companies developing innovative new technologies.

By meeting a quarter of our electricity demand with nuclear, we will strengthen our energy independence, reduce bills and support jobs across the UK.

The roadmap will also confirm plans for decommissioning to make sure they remain suitable for new nuclear technologies and protect future generations from bearing the costs.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of Nuclear Industry Association, said:

We welcome the publication of the roadmap – the commitment to explore a further large-scale project beyond Sizewell C in parallel with the deployment of SMRs is very welcome. We will need both large and small nuclear at scale and at pace for our energy security and net zero future. Allowing developers to engage with the government about Regulated Asset Base funding models should also make it cheaper to finance projects, cutting costs to the consumer. Decisions on 3-7GW in each 5 year period provide the greater clarity and predictability, which in turn enables supply chain investment and more UK content in the future fleet.

The commitments to maximise our use of regulatory assessments already undertaken overseas will help get innovative reactor designs into construction faster and reduce the duplication in regulatory activity that eats up time for no additional benefit.

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect trade union, said:

Commitment to a long-term investment in new nuclear capacity is most welcome.

Nuclear is an essential part of a low carbon, secure energy strategy that should also deliver good, clean jobs at scale. Investment in both GW-scale power plants as well as SMRs is critical to ensuring a nuclear renaissance, as is reducing our exposure to Russian nuclear fuel production.

Prospect looks forward to playing an active role in delivering this mission that is critical to meeting our net zero and energy security goals.

Babcock’s CEO for Nuclear Harry Holt said:

The UK’s Nuclear Roadmap will provide opportunities for the whole civil nuclear sector. Babcock, through our Cavendish Nuclear business, is committed to developing UK capability, jobs and skills and this is a great step in the right direction.

Carol Tansley, Vice President of UK New Build Projects at X-energy, said:

We’re delighted this ambitious roadmap recognises the vital role in the UK energy mix for advanced modular reactors (AMRs).

The announcement of funding for an advanced fuel enrichment facility is also a very welcome demonstration of commitment to deliver the next generation nuclear technologies in the UK.  We look forward to engaging in the forthcoming consultations to create a blueprint for successful deployment.

Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Nuclear said:

Since Great British Nuclear started the SMR technical selection process last July, we have moved strongly forward and are on track to complete vendor selection later this year.  Shortly we will invite the six companies we have selected to submit tenders.

The Civil Nuclear Roadmap provides a framework for GBN to help deliver more safe, clean and affordable UK nuclear power to UK consumers.  Together with industry, we will enthusiastically take up the role the government has set out for us in delivering and advising across the UK’s nuclear programme.  We are actively building GBN’s capability to take on the challenge ahead.

Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive, Centrica, said:

The UK’s ambitious net zero targets will only be met if we utilise all of the tools at our disposal, including nuclear power generation. Centrica has invested in nuclear power generation for almost 15 years and we know the benefits it can create for customers and the country. We welcome the roadmap set out by the government today as we look to support the UK’s efforts to create a more secure, resilient energy system for the future.

Dr Fiona Rayment OBE FNucI, President of the Nuclear Institute, commented:

I am delighted to see the publishing of the Nuclear Roadmap. It not only continues to provide a strong signal from government on nuclear, but reaffirms the only way to achieve carbon neutrality for energy whilst maintaining both energy and national security is through nuclear as a significant part of the UK energy mix.

Reaching 24GW by 2050 is achievable but challenging and recognising the need to address the skills and capability challenges in enabling this is key. The Nuclear Institute, as the professional membership body for the sector, assists in creating this capability and we are proud to support our nuclear workforce in the years ahead.

Andrew Murdoch, UK Managing Director of Advanced Modular Reactor developer, newcleo, said:

newcleo welcomes today’s announcements by government which offer strong support for our sector and outline a clearer future for nuclear energy policy in the UK, be it big, small or advanced.  We now look forward to participating in the government’s consultations on both siting and the routes to market for advanced technologies ahead of developing our first of a kind advanced modular reactor here in the UK by 2033.

newcleo is ready to invest billions of pounds of private money in the UK and create thousands of high value jobs in local communities with our innovative reactors.  Today’s announcements help to provide the framework in which the industry and government can work together to realise the ambition to deliver 24 GW of much-needed nuclear power by 2050.

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 7 January 2024.

£300 million UK investment to support domestic production of fuel required to power next-generation nuclear reactors.

• First European country to launch high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) programme with landmark £300 million investment
• Programme will produce enriched uranium needed for next generation of reactors and provide jobs and investment in North West England
• Investment will end Russia’s reign as the only commercial producer of HALEU

The UK will become the first country in Europe to launch a high-tech HALEU nuclear fuel programme, strengthening supply for new nuclear projects and driving Putin further out of global energy markets.

The landmark £300 million investment is part of plans to help deliver up to 24GW of clean, reliable nuclear power by 2050 – a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs.

The government funding will support domestic production of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) – the specialist fuel required to power the next generation of nuclear reactors. Most advanced reactors require this fuel that is currently only commercially produced in Russia.

The launch of the HALEU programme will enable the UK to supply the world with specialist nuclear fuel and further isolate Putin’s Russia.

An additional £10 million will also be provided to develop the skills and sites to produce other advanced nuclear fuels in the UK, helping to secure long term domestic nuclear fuel supply and support international allies.

This builds on the UK’s status as a world leader in the production of nuclear fuels, with domestic capability in uranium enrichment and in fuel fabrication in the North-West of England.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, said:

We stood up to Putin on oil and gas and financial markets, we won’t let him hold us to ransom on nuclear fuel.

Britain gave the world its first operational nuclear power plant, and now we will be the first nation in Europe outside of Russia to produce advanced nuclear fuel.

This will be critical for energy security at home and abroad and builds on Britain’s historic competitive advantages.

These plans will help build new supplies of affordable and clean domestic power so the transition to net zero doesn’t mean higher prices, protecting households from global instability.

Advanced modular reactors will play an important role in the UK’s nuclear revival as, like small modular reactors, they are smaller, can be made in factories, and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive. Many designs have the potential for a range of applications beyond low-carbon electricity generation, including production of hydrogen or industrial heat.

With the first plant scheduled to be operational in the early 2030s, the funding will boost the North West of England’s nuclear fuel production hub, supporting local industry and jobs while helping to expand our nuclear revival in the UK and overseas – vital to meeting global net zero targets.

This builds on the UK’s work to displace Russia from the global nuclear fuels market, particularly in uranium conversion services, where government and industry are together investing up to £26 million to bring this capability back to the UK by the end of the decade.

At COP28 the UK also restated its commitment to working with G7 nuclear partners to reduce global dependence on Russian fuel.