A greener pathway? Nuclear is the answer…

Written by Steve Barker, Head of Commercial

Having worked in nuclear for 8 years and having had the benefit of learning about it at a young age, the path to a sustainable future is clear to me, we need to be utilising energy sources with minimal environmental impact. Whilst renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are essential, nuclear power also has a crucial role to play in the transition to a greener world.

It’s already proven that nuclear generates electricity that produces virtually no carbon emissions during operation, making it one of the cleanest energy sources available. As we look to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, nuclear energy offers a stable, reliable alternative that complements fluctuating energy sources such as wind and solar. Unlike renewables, which are dependent on weather and daylight and therefore have limited availability, nuclear energy provides constant power around the clock.

Then consider that advances in nuclear technology, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and ongoing research into nuclear fusion, are moving nuclear energy into a new era of safety and efficiency. These technologies address traditional concerns about waste and safety and will provide a cleaner, more adaptable energy source for different locations around the UK. SMR plants have a smaller footprint and can be deployed close to demand centres, reducing transmission losses and increasing energy security.

Regardless of your opinion on nuclear power, the stakes are high in the climate crisis. With what scientists are forecasting, ruling out low-carbon options like nuclear power could have devastating consequences for us.

I’ll continue to advocate that utilising nuclear energy together with renewables improves our chances of a sustainable, low-carbon future. And given these potential benefits, the question is not why nuclear energy should be considered, but why it is not already at the centre of our sustainability effort?