With support for net zero targets faltering, energy security concerns in the ascendant and affordability an insoluble problem, is the energy policy trilemma destined to achieve only two legs in the short term? And for an island system where energy security concerns have been under prioritised, will short term political pressures derail long term solutions?
The Nuclear Regulatory Review published in 2025 is important and timely and will help facilitate a much-needed new build programme. It shows that the existing regulatory system is unclear and does not incentivise the right outcomes. It addresses regulatory duplication, planning, frivolous legal challenges, and nuclear skills; it also suggests the application of the concept of proportionality, and the need for a change in culture. The nuclear industry is set for a major reset which will hasten its renaissance.
Regulatory Common Sense at Last Read More »
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are being actively developed, and deployed, in several countries. There are a significant number of SMR designs competing to enter the mainstream market and experience suggests the ‘winning’ technologies will emerge. From humble beginnings, the number of SMRs deployed around the world will follow a classic S-curve with hundreds of plants in operation. This will create a major new market for developers and their supply chain over the next 30 years.
Potential Evolution of the SMR Market Read More »
Hydrogen is seen as a natural successor to the traditional fossil fuels – biomass, coal, oil and gas – that have dominated the world’s energy scene. The way in which it is produced is important in the context of climate change, and this suggests that electrolysis using low-carbon electricity may be the best option going forward. The possible emergence of the fabled ‘hydrogen economy’ then is linked to the rapid emergence of the renewable, and new nuclear technologies. This is energy’s dream team.
Energy’s Dream Team Read More »
