Nuclear power in the United Kingdom facts for kids

Nuclear power helps create electricity in the United Kingdom. In 2020, about 16% of the UK's electricity came from nuclear power. As of 2022, the UK has 9 working nuclear reactors at five different places. These reactors produce a lot of electricity, enough for many homes!

The UK was a pioneer in nuclear power. It opened the world's first power station that generated electricity for everyday use, called Calder Hall at Sellafield, in 1956. For a long time, the UK used its own special types of reactors called Magnox and AGRs. But now, these are getting old and will be replaced by newer, more common types called PWRs. At its highest point in 1997, nuclear power made 26% of the UK's electricity.

In recent years, the UK government has decided to build more nuclear power plants. This is to help the country become more independent for its energy and to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which are bad for the environment. However, the Scottish Government has decided not to build any new nuclear power stations in Scotland.

Currently, a company called EDF Energy owns and manages the five working nuclear power stations and three others that are being shut down. There are plans to build four new power plants in the next few decades. The Office for Nuclear Regulation checks that all nuclear sites in the UK are safe.

How Nuclear Power Started in the UK

The 20th Century Story

Calder Hall power station was first connected to the national power grid on 27 August 1956

Nuclear capacity (red) as a proportion of total generating capacity, 1955–2016

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) was set up in 1954. Its job was to lead the way in developing nuclear energy in the UK.

The very first nuclear power station to connect to the national electricity grid was Calder Hall. This happened on August 27, 1956. Even though it also helped make materials for weapons, it was the first nuclear power station in the world to provide electricity for people to use.

Later, in 1966, a new type of reactor called a "fast breeder reactor" was planned for Dounreay, Scotland.

In 1971, a new company called British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL) was created from part of the UKAEA. This company became fully owned by the UK government in 1984.

In 1979, the government decided to build many new nuclear power plants. They planned to build one new type of reactor, called a Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR), every year for at least ten years. However, this big plan changed.

In the end, only one PWR plant was built: Sizewell B. Its construction started in 1987 and it began making power in 1995. It was the last nuclear plant built in the UK for a long time. Sizewell B was supposed to be the first of four similar power stations, but the others were cancelled because they were too expensive.

In 1994, a special plant called THORP opened at Sellafield. It was built to reprocess used nuclear fuel.

In 1996, the UK's most modern nuclear plants were sold to a private company called British Energy. The older Magnox reactors stayed owned by the government.

The 21st Century Story

Electricity generation by type of fuel, 1998–2020

Energy Decisions in the Early 2000s

In 2002, the government looked closely at the UK's energy needs. They decided that saving energy and using more renewable sources like wind and solar were the best ways forward. However, they also wanted to keep the option open for new nuclear power plants in the future. They said that building new nuclear plants would be a decision for private companies, not the government.

In 2003, another government report said that nuclear power was important for making electricity without carbon emissions. But it also noted that building new nuclear plants was expensive and there were still big questions about how to deal with nuclear waste. So, they didn't propose building new plants right away, but didn't rule it out for the future.

Looking at Energy Again in 2006

By 2005, some government advisors thought that building new nuclear power stations would be the best way to cut down on gases that cause global warming. The UK had goals to cut these emissions a lot by 2050.

After a review in 2006, a safety agency called the Office for Nuclear Regulation started checking new nuclear reactor designs. This process helps make sure any new reactors built are very safe.

Court Ruling and Consultations

In 2007, an environmental group called Greenpeace won a court case against the government's energy review. The court said the review was "seriously flawed." This meant the government had to do a new consultation.

The government still believed new nuclear plants were needed to fight climate change and rely less on imported oil and gas. They published a new plan in May 2007, saying it was good for the public to let private companies invest in new nuclear power stations.

Some anti-nuclear groups, like Greenpeace, left the consultation process. They felt the government had already made up its mind about nuclear power.

Green Light for New Plants in 2008

In January 2008, the UK government officially approved the building of a new generation of nuclear power stations. However, the Scottish Government said it would not allow new nuclear plants in Scotland.

Two groups of companies announced plans to build many new nuclear reactors. Officials thought that a special price for carbon emissions would be needed to encourage companies to invest in these projects.

From 2009 to 2011

In 2009, a French energy company called EDF bought British Energy, which owned many UK nuclear plants. EDF then formed EDF Energy in the UK.

In November 2009, the government listed ten places where future reactors could be built. Most of these sites already had nuclear power stations.

In 2010, some sites were removed from the list. Also, a special research center for nuclear manufacturing was created in Rotherham, to help with building new nuclear plants.

From 2011 to 2016

After the Fukushima I nuclear accidents in Japan in 2011, the UK government asked for a report on what lessons could be learned for the UK nuclear industry. Some politicians were quick to judge, but the UK government said it was too early to decide if the accident would stop private companies from investing.

In 2012, two big energy companies, RWE npower and E.ON, decided to pull out of their plans to build new nuclear plants. This was partly due to uncertainty after the Fukushima disaster. However, a Japanese company called Hitachi bought their nuclear development company, Horizon, and planned to build new reactors at Oldbury and Wylfa.

In 2013, a committee said that the UK "will not be able to meet its climate change targets without new nuclear build." They warned that if new plants weren't built on time, the country might struggle to meet its goals and would rely more on imported gas.

The government published a "Nuclear Industrial Strategy" in 2013. It said the industry planned to build at least 12 new nuclear reactors at five sites by 2030.

In 2016, EDF and the UK government agreed on a special price for the electricity from the new Hinkley Point C plant. This agreement helped make sure the plant would be built.

From 2020 to Today

In 2020, the UK government made "new and advanced nuclear power" a top priority. They promised to decide on building at least one major nuclear power station by the end of 2024.

In 2023, nuclear energy was officially called "environmentally sustainable" in the UK. This means it can get the same support as renewable energy. A new group called 'Great British Nuclear' was also set up. Its goal is for nuclear power to provide up to 25% of the UK's electricity by 2050.

Small Modular Reactor Development

Companies like Rolls-Royce are working on new, smaller nuclear reactor designs called small modular reactors (SMRs). These are smaller than traditional reactors and could be built more quickly and cheaply.

The UK government has given money to support research and development for these advanced and small reactors. In 2021, the government provided £210 million for the second phase of development for the Rolls-Royce SMR.

In 2022, the government launched a £120 million fund to help new reactor technologies develop their designs. This included funding for other SMR designs like the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300.

In 2023, Great British Nuclear was formed to help choose SMR suppliers for the UK. Several companies, including EDF, GE Hitachi, and Rolls-Royce, are competing to have their SMR designs chosen. The goal is for UK SMRs to start working by the 2030s.

Brexit and Nuclear Power

When the UK left the European Union, it also left the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). This had big effects on the UK's nuclear industry, including rules, research, and getting nuclear materials.

The UK then made new agreements with countries like Australia, the United States, and Canada, as well as with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It also made a new nuclear agreement with the EU.

In 2020, nuclear power made about 15% of the UK's electricity. This was about half of its peak in 1998.

In 2021, a power station called Dungeness B stopped making electricity earlier than planned because of problems with some parts.

The UK government's view on China's involvement in British nuclear power has changed. They are now looking for ways to stop Chinese companies from being involved in new nuclear projects like Bradwell B.

New Ways to Pay for Nuclear Plants

Building large nuclear power plants is very expensive. After some big projects were cancelled because they couldn't get enough money, the government introduced a new way to pay for them called the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model.

This model means that electricity users help pay for some of the building costs while the plant is being built. This makes it less risky for companies to invest and helps lower the overall cost of loans. The Nuclear Energy (Financing) Act 2022 made this new model possible.

In 2022, the government announced that nuclear power capacity would increase a lot by 2050. They also bought out China's share in the proposed Sizewell C nuclear power station development, leaving it owned by EDF and the UK government.

In January 2022, Hunterston B power station closed earlier than planned because of cracks in its reactors. In March 2023, EDF announced that Heysham 1 and Hartlepool power stations would keep running for two more years, until March 2026.

In March 2024, it was reported that EDF Energy hopes to keep Sizewell B running for 20 more years, making its total life 60 years. This is similar to other PWR reactors in the US.

UK Nuclear Power Stations

Working Power Stations

Here are the nuclear power stations that are currently working in the UK:

Some older power stations like Hinkley Point B and Hunterston B had to reduce their power output because of problems. However, after some changes, they increased their power again.

EDF has extended the life of some of its AGR reactors, allowing them to generate electricity for longer. For example, Heysham 1 and Hartlepool will now run until March 2026. Sizewell B, a PWR reactor, is hoped to run for 20 more years, making its total life 60 years.

Retired Power Stations

Many nuclear power stations in the UK have now stopped working and are being decommissioned. Here are some of them:

How Much Does Nuclear Power Cost?

Past Costs

The reactor dome of the Sizewell B power station

The cost of nuclear energy in the UK has been complicated. The first Magnox reactors weren't built just for money-making. Later reactors, like Sizewell B, took a very long time to build, which made them more expensive. Also, the UK didn't have a clear plan for dealing with used nuclear fuel, which added to the costs.

Because of these issues and changing government policies, no new reactors were built in the UK after Sizewell B in 1995 for many years. Building a nuclear plant takes a long time (ten years or more), which makes investors nervous.

Future Power Stations and Their Costs

From 2010 to 2015, the UK government said that private companies would have to pay for and build any new nuclear power stations. This meant the companies would handle the costs and risks, but the government would still be responsible for long-term issues like nuclear waste.

In 2009, EDF Energy (a French company) and Centrica (a UK company) bought British Energy, which operated the UK's modern nuclear plants.

In 2008, the government said it would encourage private companies to build new nuclear plants, hoping the first one would be ready before 2020. However, the Welsh Government was against new plants in Wales, and Scotland decided against them too.

In 2012, two companies, E.ON and RWE npower, decided not to build new nuclear plants in the UK. They sold their plans to Hitachi, a Japanese company. Hitachi plans to build new reactors at Oldbury and Wylfa, but first, their design needs to be approved for safety.

Studies have suggested that building new nuclear power plants could create many jobs in the UK. However, some experts worried that the cost of building these new reactors was too high to be profitable for private companies.

In 2013, EDF Energy and the UK government agreed on the main financial terms for building Hinkley Point C. This was a big step forward. In 2015, the UK government decided to provide large financial support for Hinkley Point C, paying a special price for its electricity.

Companies like Rolls-Royce are developing smaller, more affordable reactors called small modular reactors (SMRs). The UK government is supporting this research.

In 2019, a company called Horizon Nuclear Power stopped its plans to build new nuclear plants at Wylfa and Oldbury. Even though the UK government offered a lot of financial support, it wasn't enough for Hitachi (Horizon's parent company) to continue.

In 2020, EDF Energy applied to start building Sizewell C. However, EDF needs the UK government to help with the money, possibly by taking a share in the project or using the new Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model.

In September 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that nuclear power "has to be part of the mix" for the UK's energy future, alongside renewable energy sources like wind power.

List of Proposed Power Stations

Here are the nuclear power stations that are planned or have been proposed in the United Kingdom:

Managing Nuclear Waste

The UK has different types of radioactive waste from making nuclear weapons and generating nuclear power. The government is responsible for paying to manage this waste. If new nuclear power stations are built, the private companies building them will pay for their waste management, but all waste will be stored in one special facility. Most of the UK's highly radioactive waste is currently stored temporarily at Sellafield.

In 2006, a committee recommended that the best way to deal with long-term nuclear waste is to bury it deep underground in a special facility. This facility would be between 200 and 1000 meters deep. They said this couldn't happen for several decades.

In 2008, the government confirmed this plan for a deep underground storage site. They said there would be one site for all the UK's high-level nuclear waste. They invited communities to volunteer to host the site, offering benefits like jobs and investment.

In 2014, the UK started building its first dry storage facility for used nuclear fuel at Sizewell B. This allows the used fuel to be stored safely until a deep underground repository is ready.

In 2023, a new organization called UK Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) began looking for suitable sites for this deep underground facility in Cumbria and Lincolnshire. After a site is chosen, it will take another 10-15 years of detailed work before construction can begin.

Taking Apart Old Nuclear Sites (Decommissioning)

The Windscale Piles (currently being decommissioned)

Who is Responsible?

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) was created in 2005. Its job is to oversee and manage the process of taking apart and cleaning up the UK's older nuclear power plants and reprocessing facilities. These sites were transferred to the NDA from other government-owned companies.

Decommissioning Costs

Taking apart and cleaning up nuclear facilities is a very expensive and long process. In 2002, the estimated cost was around £48 billion. This figure has increased over the years. By 2019, the estimated cost was £129 billion. A large part of this cost is for cleaning up the Sellafield site.

The government also helps pay for the costs related to used nuclear fuels from private companies through a fund called the Nuclear Liabilities Fund.

Safety of Nuclear Power

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

The UK experiences earthquakes, but they are usually not strong enough to cause damage to well-built structures. Experts believe the UK is unlikely to have earthquakes larger than a magnitude of about 6.5.

Tsunamis are very rare in the UK. Only a few have been recorded in history. A report in 2005 found that most tsunamis would likely be stopped by existing defenses designed for storm surges. However, it recommended more detailed studies and a tsunami warning service.

Even though the UK is not usually affected by tsunamis, after the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan (which was caused by a tsunami), the UK government looked closely at its own nuclear power stations to ensure they could withstand extreme events.

Accidents

While nuclear power is generally safe, accidents can happen. Here is one notable incident in the UK:

Security at Nuclear Sites

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary is a special police force responsible for keeping civil nuclear sites safe. They also protect nuclear materials when they are being transported. The UK works with other countries in international meetings to improve nuclear security around the world. In 2016, the UK and the US even practiced how to respond to a cyber-attack on a nuclear power station.

Public Opinion and Protests

In March 2006, a protest took place in Derby where campaigners handed a letter to Margaret Beckett, head of DEFRA, outside Derby City Council about the dangers of nuclear power stations.

Dounreay

In the 1990s, some people worried about nuclear power plants causing health problems, especially leukemia in children living nearby. Studies have been done, and while some clusters of illness were found near certain nuclear sites, experts say there isn't clear proof that nuclear power plants cause childhood cancer.

Surveys show that public opinion on nuclear power in the UK is mixed. Many people are concerned about it, and trust in the government and nuclear industry is not always high. There is often a stronger preference for renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

After the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, support for nuclear power in the UK dropped for a short time but then recovered.

People sometimes protest against nuclear power. In 2011, over 200 protesters blocked the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station site to show their opposition to new reactors. In 2012, hundreds of protesters marched against plans for a new nuclear power station at Wylfa.

However, more recent polls show that many people in the UK believe nuclear power should be part of the country's energy mix. A 2021 survey found that 65% of people thought nuclear power should play a role in climate policy.

The Green Party generally wants to stop using nuclear power, but some members disagree. They believe nuclear power, along with renewables, is important for fighting climate change.

Nuclear Power in Scotland

Even though the UK government has approved new nuclear power stations, the Scottish Government has clearly stated that no new nuclear power stations will be built in Scotland. The First Minister, Alex Salmond, said there was "no chance" of new nuclear plants in Scotland. In 2008, the Scottish Parliament supported the Scottish Government's policy against new nuclear power stations.

See also

In Spanish: Programa nuclear del Reino Unido para niños