Key facts
- The UK aims to diversify its energy mix away from fossil fuels to enhance energy security and decarbonisation.
- Plans include developing large-scale nuclear plants like Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C, and small modular reactors (SMRs).
- Sizewell C received planning approval in 2022 and greenlit in 2025.
- The nuclear projects are experiencing years of delays and rising construction costs.
The United Kingdom is actively seeking to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, driven by goals of enhancing energy security and achieving decarbonisation targets. A key component of this strategy involves a significant expansion of its nuclear power generation capabilities. This includes the construction of large-scale nuclear facilities and the exploration of advanced technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs). However, the path to realizing these ambitions has been fraught with challenges, including protracted delays and escalating construction expenses, raising concerns about the economic viability and timeline of the UK's nuclear renaissance.