Nuclear power expansion hopes diminish in the UK

February 15, 2013

By Dorothy Davis
Content Director

The United Kingdom has run into a series of issues surrounding the expansion of the country's nuclear power sector. What once appeared to be a promising future for new nuclear has seemingly diminished as developers continue to encounter roadblocks.

The latest round involves energy major Centrica, which announced in February that it would not be exercising an option for a 20 percent interest in the construction of new nuclear power stations at Hinkley Point and Sizewell.

Centrica’s decision follows withdrawals from SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy), RWE and E.ON from nuclear new-build projects in the UK in 2012.

In all cases increased costs and project delays were cited as the primary reasons for exiting the projects.

Adding to the sense of uncertainty is the falling costs of renewable energy, which some have noted as possibly signaling a preferred growth in that sector compared to the rising expenses seen in nuclear power.

Learn more about the UK power generation market at PennEnergy's research area.