NIA welcomes modern industrial strategy to boost nuclear skills
The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) has welcomed the UK Government’s Green Paper setting out its vision for a modern industrial strategy, including a focus on improving competitiveness and skills in nuclear new build.
The civil nuclear industry is of vital importance to the UK, employing over 65,000 people in all parts of the UK, and generates a fifth of electricity with no carbon emissions.
With plans in place for a new nuclear power programme, the NIA believes there is considerable opportunity for the supply chain across the UK, boosting not only their capability, but maximising the economic befits as we replace retiring power stations.
The UK is also at the forefront of the development of the next generation of nuclear – small modular reactors (SMRs). The NIA believes development of SMR technology could be an important part of ensuring the UK’s nuclear industry realises its full economic and industrial potential.
Lord Hutton, co-chair of the Nuclear Industry Council and Chairman of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“The nuclear sector has great potential to contribute to the UK economy. I look forward to working with the nuclear industry and the Government to develop proposals for this sector as part of the new Industrial Strategy.”
