UK Green party drops opposition to nuclear power

While offshore wind, onshore wind, and rooftop solar remain the primary priorities for electricity generation, elected representatives will now be able to support new nuclear reactors on a case-by-case basis. Green MP Carla Denyer stated that this evolution of policy acknowledges that nuclear power has a role to play during the country's transition to a system based primarily on renewable sources.

Denyer suggested that keeping existing nuclear stations operational could be a low-carbon option, noting that a significant portion of their carbon footprint comes from construction. She indicated that if she were energy secretary, she would keep existing plants running and carefully consider proposals for new nuclear power based on cost, speed, and environmental impact. This contrasts with her 2023 assessment where she described nuclear energy as "incredibly slow and incredibly expensive."

Other senior Greens have also previously voiced criticism. Party leader Zack Polanski had described nuclear as outdated, and former co-leader Adrian Ramsay had criticized government support for Sizewell C, suggesting funds would be better spent on home insulation. The party's historical opposition was rooted in its founding principle of opposing nuclear weapons.

Eugene McCarthy, a co-founder of Greens for Nuclear and a supporter of the motion, argued that the urgency of the climate crisis necessitates considering all available options. He stated that the motion allows elected members to assess individual proposals on their merits, enabling them to support extending the life of plants like Sizewell B or reject proposals where the numbers do not add up.

Professor Andrew Stirling, who has advised the government on nuclear power, called the motion "completely irrational," questioning why a party that pioneered concerns about nuclear power would shift its position when authoritative sources agree that renewables and storage are faster, more affordable, and impactful. McCarthy countered that while renewables are cheaper and faster to deploy, nuclear can help address baseload power issues.