Science Weekly Does the UK need nuclear to reach net zero?
27 snips
Jun 17, 2025 
Jillian Ambrose, The Guardian's energy correspondent specializing in energy policy and the UK's nuclear sector, joins to discuss the UK's substantial investments in nuclear, particularly the Sizewell C power plant. They delve into the financial journey and challenges faced in its development, including past funding issues. The conversation also addresses nuclear's role in balancing energy needs against renewables for a net-zero future, alongside the complexities of nuclear waste management and the implications of rising energy demands influenced by AI.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Why UK Backs Nuclear Power
- The UK government supports nuclear for jobs, economic growth, energy security, and clean power.
- Nuclear is viewed as essential to combatting the climate crisis despite high costs and long timelines.
Decline of UK Nuclear Power
- UK nuclear capacity peaked in the late 1990s at nearly 27% of electricity.
- Since then, eight plants closed, leaving five with four due to shut by 2030.
Nuclear's Current Role in UK
- Nuclear made up around 15% of UK electricity recently.
- Sizewell C aims to sustain nuclear's presence rather than greatly expand nuclear's share.