Small Nuclear Reactors: Starmer will say ‘No’ to the Blockers

The UK Government has announced a game-changing initiative to fast-track nuclear power projects across England and Wales.

By cutting red tape and streamlining planning regulations, the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change aims to boost energy security, drive investment, and create thousands of highly skilled jobs in the nation’s nuclear energy sector.

These reforms will pave the way for a new generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), ensuring cleaner, more affordable energy for homes and businesses.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer explained: “This country hasn’t built a nuclear power station in decades. We’ve been let down and left behind.

“Our energy security has been hostage to Putin for too long, with British prices skyrocketing at his whims.

“I’m putting an end to it – changing the rules to back the builders of this nation and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long.”

Unlocking the potential of small modular reactors

For the first time, SMRs will be included in UK nuclear power planning rules, allowing for quicker approval and construction.

Unlike traditional nuclear plants, these smaller reactors are more cost-effective, faster to build, and can be placed near energy-intensive industries such as AI data centres.

Previously, nuclear development was limited to just eight designated sites, a restriction unchanged since 2011.

The government’s new approach will eliminate this limitation, enabling UK nuclear power projects to be developed in a broader range of locations across England and Wales.

Breaking down barriers to investment

Historically, the UK has struggled to maintain progress in nuclear power expansion. Despite being the first country to develop a nuclear reactor, the last operational plant was built in 1995.

Today, only Hinkley Point C is under construction, delayed by extensive regulations, including a 30,000-page environmental assessment required for planning approval.

Meanwhile, global competitors like China and the EU are surging ahead, constructing multiple new reactors to secure energy independence.

To turn the tide, the UK Government is introducing a series of regulatory changes, including:

• Expanding site eligibility: UK nuclear power projects will no longer be limited to an outdated list of eight designated locations.
• Eliminating expiry dates: Long-term nuclear projects will no longer risk cancellation due to arbitrary deadlines.
• Introducing a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce: Reporting directly to the Prime Minister, this new taskforce will streamline processes, attract investment, and ensure safety and efficiency in the nuclear sector.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added: “Build, build, build – that is what Britain’s clean energy mission is all about.

“The British people have been left vulnerable to global energy markets for too long – and the only way out is to build our way to a new era of clean electricity.  Nuclear power creates thousands of skilled jobs. That is what this government will deliver.”

Faster approvals, cheaper energy bills

With UK nuclear power among the most expensive energy sources to develop, the taskforce will focus on reducing costs and cutting through bureaucratic delays.

By aligning UK regulations with international standards, reactor designs approved abroad could be fast-tracked for domestic use, reducing expensive modifications.

The government will also address regulatory overlap to prevent unnecessary duplication across multiple oversight bodies.

Ensuring safety and community engagement

Despite efforts to streamline approval processes, strict safety and environmental standards will remain in place.

Developers will need to meet rigorous criteria on site selection, avoiding densely populated and military areas.

Public engagement will also be a key requirement to ensure transparency and community support for new UK nuclear power projects.

The future of UK nuclear power

By reforming outdated regulations and investing in advanced nuclear technologies, the UK is poised to become a global leader in clean, independent energy.

These changes will accelerate project timelines, boost domestic manufacturing, and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.

With an efficient planning framework and a strong commitment to innovation, UK nuclear power is set to play a crucial role in the nation’s long-term energy security and economic growth.