“We cannot reach net-zero by 2050 without nuclear” said Copeland’s MP in a meeting of the Nuclear Delivery Group joined by the Energy Minister today.
Co-hosted by Trudy Harrison MP and Ynys Môn MP, Virginia Crosbie, the discussion provided the opportunity to push forward an agenda for new nuclear in the UK.
The group was formed in December last year with industry partners to discuss the role of atomic energy in achieving net zero and levelling up ahead of the United Nations 26th Climate Change summit in November, being hosted by the UK in Glasgow.
It is made up of leading industry experts from the National Nuclear Laboratory, the Centre of Nuclear Excellence, BEC Business Cluster, NW Nuclear Arc, UKAEA, Cavendish Nuclear, Jacobs, Nuclear Industry Association, Nuclear AMRC, and the Nuclear Institute including their Young Generation network.
Trudy said: “I was delighted to bring organisations working across nuclear energy from all over the UK together to present to Energy Minister, Anne Marie Trevelyan today. Recognising that Net Zero depends upon a diverse energy mix and the significant part that nuclear will play is vital.”
Paul Howarth, Chief Executive of the National Nuclear Laboratory, added: “There is a pressing need for the nuclear industry - working together with Government and the wider supply chain - to accelerate the deployment of nuclear, helping to meet climate change objectives and to decarbonise the UK’s energy generation system.
“Trudy is correct that we need a broad portfolio approach, and for nuclear energy that means not just new large plants but also small modular and advanced reactors and ultimately nuclear fusion. This requires a coherent and collaborative framework to be established and I’m pleased a very construction discussion took place today with the Energy Minister.”
Tim Stone, chairman of the NIA and the Nuclear Risk Insurers, said: “Trudy’s leadership and support for nuclear both for West Cumbria and for the UK more widely is a beacon of how politicians can help make a real difference.”
