UCL-Energy Principal Research Associate and Deputy Director of the RCUK Centre for Energy Epidemiology Andrew ZP Smith and UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources Professor Michael Grubb have prepared a briefing note on Hinkley Point C and other third-generation nuclear in the context of the UK’s future energy system.
One of their key findings is that Hinkley and plants like it represent an expensive source of inflexible power which risks driving more affordable clean energy such as new wind and solar power off the grid for an increasing proportion of the year.
Andrew ZP Smith said:
“Large plants like Hinkley Point were conceived during a radically different era – as by 2030 we predict they could be obsolete in favour of renewable sources like wind and solar.
“Just seven years after Hinkley is scheduled to begin operating, our analysis suggests renewable sources will be able to meet the nation’s minimum energy demand levels – traditionally the role of large nuclear, gas and coal plants like Hinkley.
“This means for the remaining decades of its contracted life, the UK could be tied to an expensive and potentially environmentally-damaging source of energy.”
For more information see the UCL Energy Institute website.
