UK Plans Largest Nuclear Power Expansion in 70 Years

Government's ambitious roadmap aims to quadruple nuclear power by 2050, despite industry's history of cost overruns and delays.

The UK government has announced plans for the country's largest expansion of nuclear power in 70 years, aiming to quadruple nuclear power by 2050 to 24 gigawatts, enough to provide a quarter of the UK's electricity needs.
The expansion includes the construction of a major new power station, £300 million of investment to produce an advanced uranium fuel, and 'smarter regulation'.
The government plans to approve one or two new reactors every five years from 2030 to 2044, and to give backing to another large-scale reactor in addition to Hinkley Point C and the planned Sizewell C.
The government is also investing up to £300 million into producing the HALEU fuel required for new high-tech reactors, which is currently only commercially produced in Russia.
Despite the ambitious plans, there are concerns about the nuclear industry's record of running overbudget and behind schedule, and criticism from environmental groups who argue that the economic case for nuclear power does not add up.