Is Nuclear the Key to the UK's Net Zero Future?
by Amandeep Singh
The UK's goal of reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050 is a massive undertaking for the country. The endeavour will require reimagining most of the current supply chains that run the economy and demand huge financial investments. In this endeavour, nuclear energy emerges as a crucial component for achieving sustainable and reliable energy systems that support the Net Zero vision.
The biggest levers to pull to decarbonise the economy are in transportation & energy supply contributing to about half of the total emissions. Additionally transportation and energy supply indirectly contributes to the value chain of business, residential, and agriculture, the next three most emitting sectors in the UK.
The solutions in transportation, contributing to 26% of total UK’s emissions, lies in transition to EVs and the use of railways. (UK GOV, 2023). EVs need clean electricity to be absolute zero emissions, demanding cleaner electricity in the grids. The railways currently only having 38% electrification will additionally require massive investments.(UK Parliament, 2021)
Energy supply itself contributes to another 20% of emissions. Clearly if we focus on the top levers it is evident that the biggest impact will be in reducing emissions from energy production and cleaner electricity. One can even say that addressing the energy challenges can only lead us to Net Zero.
To address the energy challenges while having an equitable Net Zero Future one needs to address the ‘Energy Trilemma'. The future of energy in the trilemma has to have three essential components : sustainability, affordability and security. Energy trilemma is like riding a tricycle with three wheels, only if the three wheels are aligned the energy tricycle can lead towards a sustainable & equitable world.
As the country progresses towards its Net Zero goal, the role of nuclear energy in this equation becomes increasingly significant. Here’s why
Energy Security
The biggest case for Nuclear is presented by the need for energy security. The war in Ukraine has rattled the energy supply chains in Europe with gas prices soaring to records high. The need to have control on energy security has become increasingly important in the world where geopolitical tensions are rising.
While wind and solar have been key to supplying domestic clean energy, there are days with wind not blowing and sun not shining presenting a big challenge in continuous energy supply.
Nuclear energy on the other hand offers a dependable solution, capable of providing a constant power supply that doesn't fluctuate with the weather or global market shifts. The UK’s commitment to new nuclear projects, such as the establishment of Great British Nuclear, underscores the strategic role nuclear power plays in ensuring the nation's energy independence and security.
Clean Energy
Since Nuclear fission produces energy by splitting of atoms, its energy supply does not lead to carbon emissions. Hence Nuclear energy's role in reducing carbon emissions cannot be overstated. Nuclear is very low carbon. Nuclear technology generates zero direct carbon or other greenhouse gas emissions and has one of the lowest life-cycle emissions rates among generating technologies, as presented in the UK’s energy security bill.
The UK's decarbonisation strategy includes a mix of renewables and nuclear, aiming for a decarbonized power sector by 2035, a critical step towards achieving overall Net Zero emissions.
Affordability
The affordability of nuclear power is often debated, primarily due to the high capital costs associated with building nuclear power plants. However, the long-term benefits—such as stable electricity prices and reduced dependence on imported fuels—present a compelling case. The UK government’s investment in nuclear energy, including funding for research and development of new nuclear technologies, is a testament to its commitment to making nuclear power a cost-effective part of the energy mix.
The 2050 Timeline
Nuclear clearly presents a strong case for the future of energy but there is one essential component still missing in the UK’s net zero puzzle. It is the timeframe. The UK has to be Net Zero by 2050.
Since large reactors present long timelines of 15-20 years, of which 5-10 yrs are in planning and licensing, 5-10 in site preparation and ultimately 1-2 in commissioning and testing, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) can bring that cycle down to 5-10 years. The UK government has recognized the potential and has offered special incentives in SMRs in its latest Great British Nuclear Energy Security Bill ( 2023). If successful SMRs can be pivotal to shorten the timelines for Nuclear to have a significant contribution in Net Zero 2050.
Towards a Net Zero Future
The UK's greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 fell to their lowest level since 1879, indicating significant progress. However, with energy-related activities remaining a substantial source of emissions, the transition to cleaner energy sources, including nuclear power, is imperative.
The future energy landscape in the UK will likely be a diverse mix of renewable energy sources complemented by nuclear power. This balanced approach not only addresses the energy trilemma but also propels the UK towards its ambitious Net Zero goal by 2050.
In conclusion, nuclear energy, with its potential for high energy output, low carbon emissions, and ability to enhance energy security, emerges as a key player in the UK's energy strategy. By investing in nuclear power alongside renewables, the UK can make significant strides in its quest for a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy future, marking a critical step forward in the global fight against climate change.
References
CarbonBrief, C. B. (2024, March 28). Analysis: UK emissions in 2023 fell to lowest level since 1879. Carbon Brief. https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-uk-emissions-in-2023-fell-to-lowest-level-since-1879/
UK GOV. (2023, May 9). Energy security bill factsheet: Great British nuclear (added 9 May 2023). GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-security-bill-factsheets/energy-security-bill-factsheet-great-british-nuclear
UK GOV. (2023, October 19). Transport and environment statistics: 2023. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/transport-and-environment-statistics-2023/transport-and-environment-statistics-2023#:~:text=Description%20of%20figure%203%3A%20this,by%2020.2%20MtCO2e%20in%202021
UK Parliament. (2021, March 23). Just a moment.. Just a moment.. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmselect/cmtrans/876/87606.htm