Nuclear industry “a model for the rest of economy”, UK energy secretary says

At the Nuclear Industry Association’s annual conference, Nuclear 2024, UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, praised the nuclear industry for offering “well-paid, highly skilled, unionised jobs” that benefit local communities. 

He pointed to Hinkley Point C’s impact in Somerset, where its construction has contributed to a 25% increase in the number of young people in the region since 2011. 

Miliband emphasized that the nuclear sector serves as a model for the wider economy, showcasing the potential of clean energy to drive energy security, job creation, and climate action.

Miliband expressed support for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), calling them key to the UK’s clean energy future. 

He highlighted the ongoing SMR competition as a major industrial opportunity, noting the promise of AMRs in decarbonizing challenging sectors like heavy industry. 

He also noted the growing interest in modular reactors, fuelled by advancements in AI, suggesting they could power the fourth industrial revolution.

In his closing remarks, Miliband shared insights from COP29 in Baku, where he signed an agreement with US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies.