The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) has made a fresh call for the government to boost homegrown nuclear power against the grid’s dependence on Russian gas.

The association estimates if the UK committed to building two large-scale nuclear stations at Wylfa Newydd and Sizewell, along with a fleet of Small Modular Reactors, it could replace more than ten billion cubic metres of gas imports.

The NIA said the proposed station at Sizewell C could remove the need for 5.4 billion cubic metres of natural gas.

That is equivalent to 1.4 million Olympic-sized swimming pools of the fossil fuel, according to the analysis.

The trade association also said Wylfa Newydd project could replace one million pools of gas.

Tom Greatrex, NIA Chief Executive, said: “The UK could avoid future energy crises by replacing its reliance on unstable and volatile gas markets by urgently investing in new nuclear stations.

“That is the only way we can protect our energy security and future proof the country’s only source of firm, low carbon power.”

Read Mr Greatrex’s recent guest blog on ELN about the future of nuclear power. 

Article source: https://www.energylivenews.com/2021/10/11/government-urged-to-replace-reliance-on-russian-gas-with-homegrown-nuclear/