UK Nuclear Decisions Face Deadline as Industry Stalls

The UK Treasury is under growing pressure to make critical nuclear energy decisions, with delays drawing criticism from Whitehall and industry insiders. Philip Hunt, a Labour peer tasked with revitalizing the U.K. nuclear sector, has highlighted the industry’s notorious sluggishness. Hunt, who served as an energy minister from 2008 to 2010 and retired from government last month, often joked about returning to the industry after 14 years to find everything unchanged. His remarks reflect both frustration with the Conservatives’ decade-and-a-half in power and the inherent challenges of advancing nuclear projects.
Despite efforts to accelerate progress, such as the construction of the Sizewell C power station, the sector remains mired in bureaucratic and political hurdles. Industry experts warn that further delays could jeopardize energy security and climate goals, as nuclear power is seen as a vital component of the U.K.’s low-carbon future. With time running out, the Treasury must act swiftly to address these challenges and unlock the potential of nuclear energy.

Published: 6/7/2025