Advanced Modular Reactors: Criticality Tests Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord Ravensdale
Main Page: Lord Ravensdale (Crossbench - Excepted Hereditary)Department Debates - View all Lord Ravensdale's debates with the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
(8 months, 1 week ago)
Lords ChamberI do not recognise the dates that the noble Lord cited. Great British Nuclear is obviously heavily ensconced in the design selection process at the moment, and I understand that, given a fair wind, the reactors should be online and producing electricity by the early 2030s.
My Lords, I declare my interests in the register. One reminder from the conflict in Ukraine is that energy security and national security are indivisible. The Government set out welcome guidance that Russian nuclear fuel imports into the UK will be banned by 2030, but it is a major national security issue to be relying on these imports for another six years. Does the Minister agree that we need to legislate to bring forward this date, as our partners and allies in the US are doing?
I understand the noble Lord’s concern, and I know the close interest he takes in this; I share his concerns. I know he had a very productive meeting with the Secretary of State and Minister Bowie to discuss these matters, and he has written following that. A letter on that is being drafted and will come to him shortly.