Articles & Viewpoints
China could quit UK nuclear projects if role threatened, experts warn
Tim Yeo, a former Tory energy minister who chairs the New Nuclear Watch Institute, an industry-supported think-tank, said concerns about Chinese involvement in the UK nuclear power sector had been overstated. Any disruption or interference in its operations would close down all export opportunities elsewhere for CGN, he argued.
26 July 2021
by Jim Pickard and Nathalie Thomas, Financial Times
Small Modular Reactors to offer cheaper, more flexible nuclear energy
Until recently, nuclear power plants have principally delivered large quantities of low-carbon baseload electricity in areas where widespread grid capacity already exists. SMRs and AMRs offer an innovative solution to the problem of cost and time associated with the construction and maintenance of conventional nuclear reactors.
9 July 2021
by New Europe
‘Yes to Nuclear’ for heavy decarbonization
NNWI’s ‘Yes to Nuclear’ Perspectives initiative has released its monthly publication for May, focusing on the crucial role of nuclear energy in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. In the run-up to COP 26, the NNWI and its partners are showcasing the wide-ranging applications that nuclear energy production has to offer across industries, as decarbonisation dominates the global political agenda.
10 June 2021
by New Europe
Tim Yeo: The role of Hinkley Point in the UK energy mix in the context of Brexit
After a lengthy and difficult birth lasting more than a decade the news from Hinkley Point C (HPC) has been steadily improving for some time. This week’s announcement that the project’s spending in the South-West has hit £3.2 billion, double the original target, demonstrates the huge boost which the construction of a new nuclear plant gives to a region’s economy.
28 May 2021
by New Europe
Tim Yeo: Learning the lessons of Chernobyl and Fukushima
Thirty five years after the Chernobyl nuclear explosion in 1986 it is now clear that the long term consequences have been very different from those expected at the time. The extraordinary environmental recovery at the site of the explosion and in the surrounding area has shown that it is the impact of human activity which threatens the natural world, not that of nuclear energy nor of the radiation associated with it.
26 April 2021
by New Europe
Tim Yeo urges leaders to make sure nuclear is part of energy transition
A pro-nuclear lobby group has urged US president Joe Biden and other world leaders attending a climate summit to “set the right tone” by backing measures to make big cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and to make sure nuclear is part of any energy transition. “The world cannot completely replace fossil fuels by improving energy efficiency and expanding renewables alone,” Tim Yeo said.
22 April 2021
by David Dalton, NucNet
Earth Day: Let's make 2021 a year of more action and fewer words
Preventing dangerous irreversible climate change requires a much bigger and faster response than anything previously achieved. A meaningful progress will depend on the adoption of technology-neutral policies that do not discriminate against any form of low-carbon energy, including nuclear. Nuclear power is an essential part of the energy mix and global solution to climate change.
22 April 2021
by New Nuclear Watch Institute
Leaders Summit on Climate must call for more investment in all forms of low carbon energy including nuclear
President Joe Biden’s invitation to world leaders to join him at a virtual Summit on Climate to mark Earth Day is welcome and timely. After last week’s positive talks in Shanghai between US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua hopes of a joint US/China commitment to faster and bigger emissions reductions are rising.
21 April 2021
by Tim Yeo, NNWI
Why global boundaries need to be forgotten for Carbon Neutral goal
With the world’s three most populous countries aligning with Nuclear, now is the time to unite to secure its future. It is clear that if the threat of dangerous irreversible climate change is to be averted there is no time to lose. Complete decarbonisation of the energy industry must be achieved as soon as possible. That requires a big contribution from nuclear as well as from renewables.
14 April 2021
by Nuclear Focus (Nuclear Institute)
Will the EU follow the science on nuclear?
It has become impossible for the European Union to ignore nuclear power any longer in its response to climate change, now that its JRC has concluded the technology’s impacts are on a par with renewables. But that doesn’t mean policy acceptance for nuclear just yet. The recently leaked report from the JRC should in theory settle the debate over whether nuclear can be included in a taxonomy of sustainable activities.
12 April 2021
by Callum Thomas, Thomas Thor Associates
Energy policies must match energy objectives
In November this year, COP26 will once again focus the world’s attention on climate change. One of its objectives is to take aim at coal, with the UK Presidency seeking global a commitment to stop new coal construction and phase-out existing plant. Last year, pollution from burning coal, gas and oil contributed to the deaths of more than eight million people.
31 March 2021
by Dr Jonathan Cobb, World Nuclear Association
Nuclear can play integral role in developing countries, says UK think-tank
The paper, which outlines how nuclear can help meet United Nations sustainable development goals, says nuclear power is a zero-carbon electricity generation technology capable of producing large- scale, reliable baseload power, which is essential for developing countries that need both to build out their energy systems and reduce CO2 emissions quickly.
30 March 2021
by David Dalton, NucNet
European Commission gives all clear for nuclear
Science for Policy report by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission is a huge boost for nuclear energy. On the crucial “do no significant harm” test nuclear comes out as equal to or better than other electricity generation technologies. This removes any remaining barrier to the inclusion of nuclear in the Commission’s sustainable finance taxonomy.
29 March 2021
by Tim Yeo, NNWI
Time for action
Back in 2019 I made the case for New Nuclear Watch that a shift towards greater employment in high productivity sectors like nuclear would be central to closing the UK’s productivity gap. Sixteen months on, and with an economy ravaged by the Coronavirus pandemic, it is even clearer that a new build programme could help to underpin a sustainable recovery based on high quality employment.
25 March 2021
by Sue Ferns, Prospect
Driving Deeper Decarbonisation with Hydrogen-Enabled Synthetic Fuels
To meet the Paris climate goals, we must bring global carbon emissions down to zero by mid-century. This will require massively increasing global clean power generation, especially as energy demand is expected to double from current levels to meet rising global energy demand. Nuclear energy can play a key role in ensuring a successful and timely transition, provided it becomes highly competitive everywhere in the world.
24 March 2021
by Kirsty Gogan and Eric Ingersoll, LucidCatalyst
Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020 Edition
The study finds that in 21 of 24 countries surveyed, low-carbon generation options are the cheapest, assuming a USD 30 per tonne cost of carbon. The remarkable fall of solar PV costs, and the continued decline of the cost of wind, has made this possible. Extending the life of nuclear power plants is the cheapest low carbon option of all – as we had previously found in our 2019 report “Nuclear Power in a Clean Energy System”.
23 March 2021
by Peter Fraser, IEA
2021 is a year of big challenges for European nuclear
sector
2020 was an important year for the nuclear industry all over the world, including Europe. It was a year of significant nuclear-related legislative developments at EU level, which will impact the whole nuclear industry for the years to come. In addition, many EU Member States have recognised nuclear energy as an important element of their future decarbonised energy mix.
22 March 2021
by Yves Desbazeille, FORATOM
The nuclear industry needs to stop selling us fear and start selling us salvation
During the last couple years, the debate on nuclear has shifted significantly. Accustomed to a defensive position and concentrating on survival for decades, the nuclear industry is now facing new kinds of demands. A growing number of climate hawks, environmental activists and energy analysts are calling for more and better nuclear, to help us stop climate change in time.
9 March 2021
by Rauli Partanen, Think Atom
Media Release: NNWI is launching 'Yes to Nuclear Perspectives'
Initiative
The New Nuclear Watch Institute (NNWI) is launching a new initiative ‘Yes to Nuclear Perspectives’. This initiative is backed by the Nuclear-21, Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA), and World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI). The aim is to explore how nuclear science and technology can help mankind to achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals by the target date of 2030.
15 February 2021
by NNWI, Nuclear-21, NIA, WNTI
Think-tank to explore how nuclear can play its part
A London-based pro-nuclear think-tank is launching an initiative to explore how nuclear science and technology can help achieve the 17 UN sustainable development goals by the target date of 2030. New Nuclear Watch Institute (NNWI) said the ‘Yes to Nuclear Perspectives’ initiative is backed by Belgium-based nuclear consultancy Nuclear-21, the Nuclear Innovation Alliance and World Nuclear Transport Institute.
15 February 2021
by David Dalton, NucNet
Nuclear Energy and COP26
One positive outcome of the COVID-19 induced worldwide economic slump is the unforeseen drop in greenhouse gas emissions it has caused. There is a lot at stake for the nuclear industry. The growing urgency of the need to completely decarbonise electricity generation offers it, at least in theory, a huge opportunity. Since 2015, recognition of the scale of the climate change threat has risen steadily.
10 February 2021
by Nuclear Engineering International
Tim Yeo: Delivering net zero
Advanced nuclear energy must play a role if we are serious about decarbonising society, says Tim Yeo at the New Nuclear Watch Institute. The need to increase both the scale and speed of humanity’s response to climate change becomes more urgent every day. Total decarbonisation of all our societies is now widely accepted as the goal. Agreement on how to achieve it is more elusive.
4 February 2021
by Energy Focus (The EIC)
Hydrogen can be a 'vital' tool in the decarbonisation of energy systems
There has never been a greater focus on the development of a clean hydrogen market. A new report by the New Nuclear Watch Institute analyses the potential of hydrogen as a decarbonising agent as well as the state of present-day policy. It notes the “valuable role” that nuclear-produced hydrogen can play in hastening the development of a widespread hydrogen deployment.
17 December 2020
by EU Political Report
NNWI report looks at nuclear's role in hydrogen production
The UK-based New Nuclear Watch Institute (NNWI), an industry supported think-tank, has published a 28-page report “On the Role of Nuclear Power in the Development of a European Hydrogen Economy” NNWI says the scale-up of clean hydrogen production, along with the decrease in cost that will accompany it, is vital for the transition to a decarbonised energy system.
17 December 2020
by Nuclear Engineering International
Progress will depend on policies that do not discriminate against nuclear
Nuclear-produced hydrogen could make a sizeable contribution to the development of the hydrogen economy in the UK and Europe, but progress will depend on the adoption of technology-neutral policies which do now discriminate against nuclear power, a think-tank says in a new report. Cost of using reactors for production would be lower than wind, report also concludes.
17 December 2020
by David Dalton, NucNet
Study confirms benefits of using nuclear power for robust hydrogen economy
The research, titled ‘On the Role of Nuclear Power in the Development of a European Hydrogen Economy’, concludes that using nuclear power to produce hydrogen has several advantages compared to using intermittent renewables. The new report also explores the possible future development of EU hydrogen policy, taking into consideration the European Commission’s ‘A Hydrogen Strategy for a Climate-Neutral Europe’.
16 December 2020
by NNWI
New study makes 'clear case' for technology-neutral policies
A new report highlights the “sizeable contribution” that nuclear-produced hydrogen, using electrolyzer technology, could have in the development of the hydrogen economy. It goes on to caution though that the realisation of those benefits will depend on the adoption of technology-neutral policies which “do not discriminate against nuclear power.”
16 December 2020
by EU Reporter
Hydrogen policies must include nuclear, says NNWI
Nuclear-produced hydrogen, using electrolyser technology, could have a "sizeable contribution" to make in the development of the hydrogen economy, according to a new report from the New Nuclear Watch Institute (NNWI) think-tank. However, it says the realisation of those benefits will depend on the adoption of technology-neutral policies, which do not discriminate against nuclear power.
16 December 2020
by World Nuclear News
Tim Yeo: Response to Energy White Paper
The white paper addresses the transformation of our energy system, promoting high-skilled jobs and clean, resilient economic growth as we deliver net-zero emissions by 2050. The New Nuclear Watch Institute welcomes the commitment in the White Paper to bringing "at least one further large-scale nuclear project to the point if FID by the end of this Parliament."
15 December 2020
by NNWI
Tim Yeo: Response to IEA / OECD NEA report
This joint report by the IEA and the NEA is the ninth in a series of studies on electricity generating costs. As countries work towards ensuring an electricity supply that is reliable, affordable and increasingly low carbon, it is crucial that policymakers, modellers and experts have at their disposal reliable information on the cost of generation.
10 December 2020
by NNWI
Unlocking hydrogen markets with low-cost nuclear production
Through both existing and new technologies, nuclear power has significant potential to catalyze carbon-free hydrogen and ammonia markets. Join leaders from energy, transport and industry companies who are working to advance the hydrogen and green ammonia markets, along with nuclear industry players who will discuss the potential and how it can be achieved.
2-3 December 2020
by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Tim Yeo: Meeting the rising demand for electricity
One of the few certainties in the energy industry is that demand for electricity will rise substantially. Although there is consensus about the urgency of the need to decarbonise electricity production if the world is to get anywhere near meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris Accord there is less agreement about the best way to do this.
30 October 2020
by New Europe
Essential role of nuclear in the urgently needed transformation
of the world's energy system
Anyone concerned about climate change should recognise that no single form of energy can avert the threat on its own. We need both renewable and nuclear energy, as well as much more energy efficiency, in the next decade to prevent climate change from becoming irreversible. Supporters of investment in nuclear do not demand for it to be prioritised over renewables.
26 October 2020
by Tim Yeo and others
New nuclear 'the most efficient way' to decarbonise grids, NNWI
report finds
A new report published today by New Nuclear Watch Institute (NNWI) concludes that new nuclear build is the most efficient way to achieve decarbonisation of the electricity grid, being able to reduce system carbon intensity by up to 34% per megawatt of installed capacity compared to intermittent renewables. It recommends that policymakers look beyond the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE).
22 October 2020
by World Nuclear News
Tim Yeo: Making sure the global economic recovery is
sustainable
Before Covid-19 struck, Green New Deals, sometimes stronger on vision than specifics, were becoming fashionable in rich western countries. In the post-pandemic crisis world, the danger is climate commitments slip down the priority list. To prevent this a response involving a wider group than the G7 and the BRICS is needed.
4 June 2020
by New Europe
Tim Yeo: Europe's big plans for small modular reactors
A game-changer in this scenario may soon appear in the form of small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs can be sited in more varied locations, away from large grid systems, and can bring power to remote or less developed areas, or those where demand is too low to justify bigger plants. They can also fit easily on redundant brownfield sites which are not large enough to host a 1GW nuclear reactor.
23 April 2020
by Energy Focus (The EIC)
Tim Yeo: The nuclear option
The United Kingdom is a global leader in its response to climate change. In the last century scientists helped raise public understanding of the issue. Former Member of Parliament for South Suffolk and current chair of The New Nuclear Watch Institute sets out the case for nuclear power as an integral part of the UK's energy mix. In the last century our scientists helped raise public understanding of the issue.
23 April 2020
by New Statesman
Europe must not ignore nuclear in fight against climate change
NNWI boss Tim Yeo says there is a 'big opportunity' for Europe to become an industry leader in tackling climate change. Europe’s policymakers and nuclear industry are missing a “unique opportunity” to tackle the climate emergency. Speaking to industry delegates in London yesterday, think-tank boss Yeo advocated the creation of a European Green New Deal to address climate change.
7 November 2019
by Andrew Fawthrop, NS Energy
We have to take cost risks on low-carbon projects
The urgency of the climate crisis means that the world cannot wait for a decade or more to find out whether immature technologies - such as carbon, capture and storage - will work, the former chair of parliament’s energy and climate change committee has warned.
7 November 2019
by David Blackman, Utility Week
Costs and financing key to Europe's nuclear future
Nuclear has a place in Europe's energy mix, but rising costs - even if only perceived - need to be addressed to ensure future growth. Speaking at NNWI Forum 2019: Nuclear energy as part of Europe's energy mix, Jonathan Cobb, senior communication manager at World Nuclear Association, noted that nuclear's primary role is to generate electricity, not to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
7 November 2019
by World Nuclear News
Nuclear energy has a key role to play in Europe's low-carbon
future
The European Union is currently in the midst of an important transition period. After the European Parliamentary elections, the new European Commission is being formed with Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen at the helm. On many occasions, Mrs. von der Leyen has underlined that one of her top priorities would be making Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent.
6 November 2019
by Yves Desbazeille, FORATOM
Making the case for nuclear in the energy mix
Global electricity demand is rising. Nearly a billion people lack access to electricity. Two billion more people will need electricity by 2050 as the global population expands. It is fortunate then, that electricity is one of the few cornerstones of modern life where the practicality of a low carbon future has been demonstrated on a major scale.
6 November 2019
by Jonathan Cobb, World Nuclear Association
Can nuclear energy be a competitive climate change option
today?
To manage climate change, we need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the global energy system to near zero by mid-century. All credible studies, including the IPCC, IEA and European Commission therefore conclude that nuclear energy should continue to play a significant role in a cost effective, timely and successful climate mitigation effort.
6 November 2019
by Kirsty Gogan, Energy for Humanity
Nuclear power in a clean energy system
Nuclear power, along with hydropower, form the backbone of low-carbon electricity generation. Together, they provide three-quarters of global low-carbon generation. However, in advanced economies, nuclear power has begun to fade, with plants closing and little new investment made, just when the world requires more low-carbon electricity.
6 November 2019
by Peter Fraser, IEA
A European Green New Deal
The urgency of the climate crisis means that the world cannot wait for a decade or more to find out whether immature technologies - such as carbon, capture and storage - will work, the former chair of parliament’s energy and climate change committee has warned. Europe has been at the forefront of the world's response to the challenge of climate change for more than two decades, setting increasingly tough standards and targets.
6 November 2019
by Tim Yeo, The New Nuclear Watch Institute
Economic benefits of nuclear
It is legitimate to expect our energy generators to provide good value for money for consumers, but we have been side-tracked into a narrow and sterile debate about price per MWh. We need a more rounded debate about the costs of investment in energy infrastructure overall – including who pays for it - recognising that these can be very high, especially for trailblazer projects, but tend to reduce over time.
6 November 2019
by Sue Ferns, Prospect
Hinkley Point C: Building a legacy
Decarbonising the UK economy by moving away from gas and coal energy generation and towards a future powered by low carbon electricity is essential for the UK to tackle climate change. Hinkley Point C, the new nuclear power station being built by EDF Energy and our partners, CGN, in Somerset, will produce low carbon electricity to meet 7% of UK need.
6 November 2019
by Mark Hartley, EDF Energy
The crucial role nuclear will play in a decarbonised world
As the NNWI forum gathers in London we have to face a difficult truth: right now, nuclear is losing the battle when it comes to costs. The £92.50 per MWh price agreed for Hinkley Point C reflected the fact that this was a first of a kind project. At the time it was significantly cheaper than offshore wind. Since then much has changed.
6 November 2019
by Alan Raymant, CGN UK
Cutting the costs of new nuclear power plants
According to the Committee on Climate Change, the independent body preparing the UK against climate effects, we need to quadruple low carbon production in order to deliver ‘net zero’ by 2050, through a combination of ‘intermittent’ renewable sources alongside ‘firm’ low carbon generation. UK government has confirmed its commitment to low carbon nuclear electricity on the basis that the cost can be reduced.
6 November 2019
by Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, EDF Energy
A reliable future
The climate emergency is now. We need bold and brave people to make the right solutions possible. Nuclear projects are substantive, and long term investments, that will support decarbonisation and reduction of the impact of humans for this generation, and many generations to come.
6 November 2019
by Dr Ben Britton, Imperial College London
What are we here for?
In any endeavour it is important to be clear about your motivations – the reasons ‘why’ you do what you do. Keeping these needs, values and principles in mind will guide your decision making and maintain your drive to reach the goal, whether it be large or small.
6 November 2019
by Jeremy Gordon, Fluent in Energy
Nuclear may be well established, but it needs to make a strong
case
Atomic power has been with us in this country since Queen Elizabeth II switched on one of four magnox reactors at Calder Hall on 17 October 1956. Sixty-three years on, nuclear power accounts for a quarter of the UK’s and a tenth of the world’s overall power supply. Back then, the public was deeply divided as to the merits of atomic energy, with many people concerned.
6 November 2019
by Adrian Pepper, Pepper Media Group
Decarbonisation in South East Europe and the role of nuclear
power
In view of the very ambitious targets set by the European Commission for decarbonising power generation across Europe, and SE Europe in particular, which relies a great deal on coal and lignite for power generation, and the inadequate policies so far applied, it is highly debatable if the targets set for 2020 and the revised, even higher ones for 2030, let alone those of 2050, can actually be met.
6 November 2019
by Costis Stambolis, IENE
Are we finally ready to tackle climate with both hands?
There has been no lack of stories, discussions and hashtags on the topic of climate urgency recently. And for good reason. Climate science’s message on the matter has been growing more and more serious, and ominous. For the last 30 years we have been talking about doing something, but not accomplishing that much. Emissions are still rising.
6 November 2019
by Rauli Partanen, Think Atom
Tim Yeo: Nuclear power is a reliable source
It is encouraging when an authoritative energy expert like Professor Nick Butler, who has not been slow to criticise the nuclear industry in the past, declares that the operating lifetime of nuclear plants should be extended to facilitate the energy transition. In doing so he echoes the recommendations of the International Energy Agency’s report, launched at the Clean Energy Ministerial meeting in Vancouver last May.
28 October 2019
by New Europe
Tim Yeo: Time for commonsense regulation
The need for much faster reduction in fossil fuel use is now almost universally accepted. This poses a challenge for electricity, almost two thirds of which is generated using carbon intensive fossil fuels. Despite the rapid growth of renewable energy nuclear power remains the largest source of low carbon electricity in the developed world, accounting for about one fifth of power generation.
19 June 2019
by New Europe
Tim Yeo: A green new deal for Europe
The Green New Deal launched recently by the Democrats is a welcome sign that some American politicians support urgent action to address climate change. The deal's aim of cutting carbon emissions by 60% by 2030 is very challenging. It envisages abandoning nuclear energy as well as ending the use of fossil fuels. This reflects the left wing inclinations of many of its backers and their preference for renewables.
10 May 2019
by New Europe
Tim Yeo: The role of nuclear in a low-carbon Europe
Europe is leading the world’s response to climate change. Challenging carbon emissions reduction targets are accelerating decarbonisation of many parts of the economy while reform of the European Union Emissions Trading System is boosting the price of EU carbon allowances towards a level that incentivises more investment in low-carbon technologies.
11 February 2019
by Energy Focus (The EIC)
Electricity generation costs could rise by 15% without nuclear
Abandoning nuclear power could drive up UK electricity generation costs by 15 per cent while more than tripling the amount of carbon produced per kWh by the power sector, according to a new report by the New Nuclear Watch Institute.
27 October 2018
by David Blackman, Utility Week
Interview with Tim Yeo: Convincing Europe to embrace nuclear
power
Tim Yeo faces an uphill struggle in trying to persuade Europeans to think nuclear. Yeo adds that his support for nuclear being part of a nation’s energy mix “was also strengthened by the fact that Sizewell (nuclear power station) was in the nextdoor constituency to mine in Suffolk, and I knew it had a high reputation as a good employer. It was seen by the local community as a clean form of energy."
26 October 2018
by Petroleum Economist
UK nuclear phaseout would be a costly mistake, says think tank
Electricity generating costs would rise by 15% and carbon emissions from the power sector would more than triple by 2030 if the UK were to abandon nuclear energy in favour of a mix of wind and gas. The NNWI report - titled The False Economy of Abandoning Nuclear Power - considers both the environmental impact and the financial costs of phasing out nuclear by 2030.
26 October 2018
by World Nuclear News
Abandoning nuclear power plans 'would push up carbon
emissions'
Abandoning the UK’s ambitions for a number of new nuclear power stations would cause carbon emissions to spike and push up energy costs, according to lobbyists led by a former Conservative MP. The New Nuclear Watch Institute warned against what it called the “folly of technological tribalism” of pursuing a future powered by renewables and gas-fired power stations, rather than any new nuclear plants.
26 September 2018
by Adam Vaughan, The Guardian