The UK government and nuclear industry claim that a new generation of nuclear power stations can be built without any public subsidy. They point to Finland, where the first new reactor ordered in Europe since 1993 is being built, and to the US as proof of a re-emerging industry.
This briefing shows that subsidies are likely to be an essential part of any new-build programme in the UK and it demonstrates that support can be expected via a number of market interventions. Furthermore, it explains how the government has already enacted legislation and is developing further measures that could open the way for the taxpayer to pick up the bill for the liabilities of any private nuclear operator that should fail to provide proper funding for waste and decommissioning.
