Former Competition Regulator Boss Leads Review for New Nuclear Power Construction in Britain
Sky News has learned that John Fingleton, a former chief executive of the Office of Fair Trading and current head of a regulatory consulting firm, is set to chair a taskforce announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The taskforce aims to incentivize investment in the construction of new nuclear energy capacity in the UK.
Whitehall sources indicate that Mr. Fingleton’s appointment to lead the nuclear regulatory task force may be announced by the Prime Minister in the coming week. The focus of the taskforce, which is expected to report back to Sir Keir later this year, will be on encouraging investment in new nuclear energy projects in the UK.
The news of Mr. Fingleton’s appointment comes shortly after Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, approved an additional £2.7bn in taxpayer funding for the Sizewell C nuclear plant in Suffolk. A government source stated, «After 14 years without new nuclear projects, the government is committed to unlocking the potential of nuclear energy as part of our clean energy goals. This includes reviewing regulations to facilitate the delivery of new projects.»
The government’s announcement in February highlighted the need to streamline regulations to enable more nuclear power plants to receive approval, despite industry skepticism about the feasibility of the plans. Downing Street emphasized the importance of overcoming delays and obstacles in the construction of nuclear power plants, noting that the UK has not built a new nuclear power station since 1995, lagging behind other countries in harnessing cleaner and more affordable energy sources.
While only one new nuclear plant is under construction in Britain, China is currently building 29 reactors, with 12 more in the planning stages in the European Union. Sir Keir Starmer expressed determination to enhance the UK’s energy security and reduce dependency on foreign sources, particularly in light of rising energy prices influenced by global factors.
The government’s efforts to promote new nuclear projects are part of a broader strategy to boost the nation’s energy infrastructure and create new job opportunities. Mr. Fingleton’s role in leading the nuclear regulatory task force underscores the government’s commitment to revitalizing the nuclear energy sector in the UK.
Stay tuned for further updates on the government’s plans to support the development of new nuclear power plants and enhance the country’s energy independence.
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