Nuclear Reactors

(asked on 5th March 2019) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his oral contribution of 5 March 2018, Official Report, column 788 whether it his policy to provide as much fiscal support to a north sea oil and gas sector deal as is given to any potential industrial strategy for small modular reactors.


Answered by
Robert Jenrick Portrait
Robert Jenrick
This question was answered on 11th March 2019

The government recognises the potential for the UK to become a leader in developing the next generations of nuclear technologies, provided there is demonstrable value for money for consumers and taxpayers. The Nuclear Sector Deal published last year outlines the government’s ongoing commitment to nuclear innovation, including a new framework to support the deployment of small modular reactors. Up to £56m is available to support the development of advanced modular reactors, including up to £44m for a Feasibility and Development Project and £12m for the Office of Nuclear Regulation and Environment Agency to build the necessary capability.

The government provides extensive support for renewable energy, with around £10bn of annual of low carbon levies supporting the sector and up to £557 million (2011/12 prices) of further support available, starting with the next Contract for Difference allocation round, which will open by May 2019. These auctions are expected to secure 1-2GW of low carbon generation each year in the 2020s.

The government has implemented a number of measures to support the oil and gas sector, including £2.3bn of fiscal changes since 2015, £45m to support exploration, and the introduction of Transferable Tax History to aid investment in late-life assets. As outlined in the Industrial Strategy White Paper, no new government funding is available for sector deals. However, we welcome the way industry has come together under the leadership of Trevor Garlick to enable elements of the proposed sector deal to take shape. The government will continue its close engagement with the sector to consider what we can best do together to strengthen our partnership.

Reticulating Splines