Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, whether she has taken steps to approve new forms of nuclear (a) build, (b) power plants and (c) technology to facilitate new nuclear build in the UK; and if she will make a statement.

The Government sees new nuclear power stations as an important part of the low-carbon energy mix which we need to secure our energy supplies and meet our international obligations to reduce carbon emissions. We will continue to ensure through Electricity Market Reform, the planning system for major infrastructure projects and independent regulation of reactor technologies that we encourage companies to bring forward successful applications to build new nuclear power stations.

The Government also maintains an interest in future and emerging technologies. In particular, following a feasibility study on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), we are undertaking a deeper financial and technical analysis to establish a robust evidence base to inform policy decisions.