Nuclear power Flashcards
What is Labour’s view on nuclear power?
Labour support nuclear in principle, but delays and cost overruns meant that the project needed review and scrutiny from the opposition.
Nuclear power is a good energy mix
What are the motive to use nuclear power?
It would reduce the UK’s reliance on imported gas, as North Sea production continues to fall.
Context for introducing nuclear power
The UK’s remaining coal-fired power plants are expected to close by 2025 to meet new EU air quality rules. This will create a big gap in generating capacity that must be filled if the lights are stay on.
Negatives of nuclear power
Nuclear power plants are expensive to build. For example, operator EDF Energy estimates its new Hinkley Point plant in the UK will cost £24bn
What will be part of the Hinkley Point C
The two reactors of Hinkley Point C are scheduled to produce first power in 2025, generating up to 7pc of the UK’s electricity needs
Positives of nuclear power
• More jobs
It is estimated that the local north Wales economy around the proposed Wylfa site will benefit from around £50m and hundreds of jobs.
Positives of nuclear power
• Name two key points
- Lower long-term energy costs for consumers
* The wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine
Context of UK’s use of renewables sources
About a quarter of the UK’s electricity comes from renewable sources such as, wind, solar and hydro.
What could be the problem with reliance on renewable energy, and thus investing on nuclear power would be better?
Especially in winter, a lot of spare capacity is needed for short periods of time
What is Hinckley Point C?
Hinckley Point C in Somerset was to be the first batch of nuclear power stations that Gordon Brown announced in 2008.
Context of gas and coal-fired power stations
Gas and coal-fired power stations still produce about half the country’s electricity, meeting 7% of the country’s total energy needs.
Reason to introduce more nuclear power
• Traditional form of generation
There is still a need of a more traditional form of generation, and to be more energy self-sufficient
Criticism of Hinckley Point C delays and setbacks
Hinkley Point C has suffered years delays and setbacks since it was first envisaged by EDF, at which point it was slated to star operating by 2017 and estimated to cost less than £10bn.
Potential achievement of Hinckley Point C
The two reactors of Hinkley Point C are scheduled to produce first power in 2025, generating up to 7pc of the UK’s electricity needs
Example of government approving nuclear power station
The government has approved a new £18bn nuclear power station in the UK September 2016
