Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
Earl Russell
Main Page: Earl Russell (Liberal Democrat - Excepted Hereditary)Department Debates - View all Earl Russell's debates with the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
(1 day, 18 hours ago)
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Earl Russell (LD)
My Lords, as the SMR contracts have been delayed, has the proposed twentyfold increase in AI been included in the clean power plan? What are the Government’s proposals to deliver the energy required and meet our energy net-zero targets if SMRs will not be ready before 2032?
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Lab)
My Lords, obviously, we are all very excited by the potential of AI. My understanding is that current electricity demand from, for example, data centre growth—which is part of the package that the noble Earl is referring to—would in 2022 account for 4.05% of UK electricity consumption. NESO’s analysis of future energy scenarios reckons that data centres could increase annual electricity demand by between 27 and 62 terawatt hours by 2050, with estimates of total annual electricity demand ranging from 533 to 700 terawatts hours. Obviously, we are giving this a great deal of consideration.