Overview
- The independent Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce published 47 recommendations to simplify rules, create a single Commission for Nuclear Regulation, and bring proportionality to approvals.
- The report urges planning and environmental changes, including allowing semi‑urban siting and using off‑site conservation instead of costly on‑site measures, citing Hinkley Point C’s fish‑protection spend versus the River Monnow project.
- The taskforce estimates reforms could save tens of billions on decommissioning, cut consumer energy costs, and attract more investment while maintaining or enhancing safety.
- Energy Secretary Ed Miliband endorsed a “radical reset,” the Chancellor will respond at the Budget, and the Office for Nuclear Regulation says it will consult on a new strategy next month.
- Industry groups welcomed the streamlining push, while civil society organisations that criticised the interim report as weakening safeguards continue to warn about safety and environmental risks.