Navigating COVID-19 and Brexit Uncertainties for the 2030 Challenge of Nuclear Renaissance in the UK

Abstract

Maintaining the electricity supplies reliably is vital in the lock-down as well as the long-term combat against the Corona-virus (COVID-19). Among the energy-supplying efforts, nuclear plays a big part. With unremitting endeavors to delivering a prosperous nuclear future and becoming a leading nuclear nation, the nuclear renaissance in the UK calls for creating a safe and cost-effective 20 GWe nuclear fleet by 2030, whilst satisfying the constraint concerning radioactive waste. As the new build is about to kick into life, this work conducts a critical analysis of the issues facing the industry in the Brexit and COVID-19 contexts to predict the 2030 goal attainment. An in-depth assessment is provided in multi-dimensions, evaluating whether the new generation could fit in with an eye on a series of concerns centering upon technological maturity, safety performance, licensability, cost-effectiveness, waste disposability, public perception, and the potential talent bottleneck. Arguably, the percentage of new build completions in the medium-term perspective would be heavily influenced by the sustained political commitment, the industry’s ambition, the triumph of the first new-build, subsequent diminution in costs through better knowledge and experience, growth in investors’ confidence, and the final realization in economies of scale. This paper intends to bridge the gap between the current status and the next stage's challenge impacted by COVID-19 and Brexit, which will probably slow down the deployment of the planned original programme and re-adjust the budget that is currently under reconsideration.