As the UK undergoes a major energy transformation under the Labour government, there are high hopes for large-scale clean energy projects, including nuclear power. In addition to plans for significant renewable energy deployment, such as wind and solar power, and a revamp of the nation’s transmission infrastructure, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has shown strong support for nuclear energy.
After decades without new nuclear energy developments, several large projects are now in progress, and Starmer is committed to expanding nuclear power in the coming years.
In early February, the Prime Minister revealed a groundbreaking nuclear power expansion initiative across England and Wales. Starmer had previously urged tech companies to join forces with the government to advance small modular reactor (SMR) technology, which would address the rising electricity demand from data centers. He emphasized that the government would push past the “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) mentality as it outlined plans to install SMRs at various sites nationwide. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has criticized this approach for hindering the UK’s green transition.
Starmer envisions the first SMRs being operational by 2032, with plans for their widespread use throughout the UK. The government is also set to allow nuclear projects outside the eight designated nuclear sites, making it possible for SMRs to be built at unconventional locations. Echoing a phrase popularized by former U.S. President Donald Trump, Starmer declared that his government would “build, baby, build” when it comes to nuclear power. However, despite growing interest in SMR technology, no commercial SMR sites have been completed worldwide yet, though several are expected to launch within the next decade. This leaves uncertainty around the timeline and cost of such projects.
To streamline the regulatory process, the government is planning to establish a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce to ensure UK regulations align with international standards and enable faster reactor design approvals.
The government is also looking for the private sector to back SMRs and help accelerate the development of the technology. Starmer has called on tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon to invest in SMR-powered data centers in the UK. “They are very keen to get the data centers in and are well aware that power is a key issue. It’s in their interest for this to happen,” the Prime Minister remarked. “This makes sense financially and will also help boost development.”
Rolls-Royce, the British aerospace company leading a consortium focused on SMR technology, has criticized the previous Conservative government for not supporting SMR development. The company voiced frustration with repeated funding delays for research and development. Starmer said that the new rules would present a “great opportunity” for companies like Rolls-Royce to accelerate progress.
Although nuclear power has the potential to provide large amounts of clean energy and help achieve decarbonization goals, some remain cautious about the practical application of SMR technology. Doug Parr, policy director at Greenpeace UK, expressed skepticism about Starmer’s plans. “The Labour government has uncritically accepted the nuclear industry’s narrative, presenting as fact things that are speculative at best,” he said. “No SMRs have been built yet, and given the nuclear industry’s history of cost overruns and delays, this plan could be overly optimistic—or worse.”
While several environmental organizations now support nuclear power due to its safety and cleanliness compared to fossil fuels, some worry that the focus on nuclear energy could divert attention from advancing renewable projects. Additionally, there are concerns about ongoing delays and cost overruns in the UK’s nuclear sector, with recent projects facing significant setbacks.
Industry experts also caution that SMRs could be costly to develop and operate. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which is investing in SMR technology, has suggested that SMRs might have higher costs per megawatt compared to larger reactors. Safety is another concern, especially as SMRs could be sited in remote or unconventional locations, which would require stringent regulations to mitigate any risks.
Despite these challenges, if Starmer succeeds in bringing both traditional and small-scale nuclear projects online in the UK, they could provide a substantial source of clean energy and contribute significantly to the country’s decarbonization efforts. Meanwhile, Miliband remains a strong advocate for large-scale renewable energy deployment and a green transition. Environmental groups are calling for robust regulations to ensure that safety standards are upheld in the development of the UK’s nuclear power sector.