UK Unveils ‘Significant Support’ For Next Generation Nuclear

7 Dec (NucNet): The UK government today announced significant support to help the UK become a world-leader in developing the next generation of nuclear technologies. The government said funding of up to £56m (€63m, $74m) is available over the next three years to help support research and development into innovative advanced and small modular reactors, and to assess their feasibility and accelerate the development of promising designs. The government will also support regulators in building the capability and capacity needed to assess and licence small reactor designs. It will establish an expert finance group to advise how small reactor projects could raise private investment. In addition, the government plans to launch the second phase of its Nuclear Innovation Programme, including up to £8m for work on modern safety and security methods and studies in advanced fuels. Business secretary Greg Clark said the UK’s civil nuclear sector contributed £6.4bn to the UK economy last year. “Today’s announcements recognise the importance of industry driving innovation, supported by government, so the sector continues to compete at the very highest level, not just in the UK but globally.” A series of announcements today follows the recent launch of the government’s Industrial Strategy white paper. A statement said the nuclear industry, with government backing, will focus on bringing on line future technologies, cost reductions in new build and decommissioning, and creating a nuclear workforce.