Nuclear welcome for Fallon

Mr Fallon is to become a Minister of State at the Department of Energy and Climate Change in addition to his current role as a Minister of State at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

“I am pleased to welcome Michael Fallon to his broadened role in Government, with responsibilities for business and energy policy,” said NIAChief Executive Keith Parker.

“The synergies between these two portfolios are clear, and Mr Fallon could not have come to this brief at a more critical time.

“Mr Fallon’s combined role will help to maximise the potential for UK economic growth and jobs brought by £110billion of planned investment in new energy infrastructure.

“I am confident that Mr Fallon will build on the strong progress that has been made in reforming the electricity market, and continue to make great strides in aligning economic growth and jobs, with significant investment in new low carbon energy infrastructure.

“The new nuclear programme alone represents huge economic opportunities for the UK, and the strength of our economy relies upon a secure, affordable electricity supply.”

Earlier this week the Government published its Nuclear Industrial Strategy, identifying priorities that government and industry will work on together in a long-term partnership.

The Strategy includes a new Nuclear Industry Council, a new Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board and a Nuclear Innovation and Research Office and a long-term plan to ensure the skills base required for the future.

Earlier this month planning consent was granted for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

Mr Parker said:

“Hinkley Point C could create around 25,000 jobs during construction and 900 permanent jobs over more than 60 years of operation.

“Kick starting the new nuclear supply chain with this project will also help British firms to compete in a global nuclear market worth £930 billion by 2030.”