🌍 How Nuclear Power Works – and Its Climate Drawbacks
Why is the UK investing billions more in it?
⚛️ 1. What is Nuclear Power and How It Works
Nuclear power generates electricity through fission: splitting uranium atoms to create heat, which produces steam and drives turbines.
- Pros: Baseload, 24/7 low-carbon power (~12 g CO₂/kWh).
- Cons: Highly radioactive waste and harmful uranium mining.
📉 2. Climate Impact
- Nuclear emits only ~12 g CO₂e/kWh – far less than coal (~820 g) or gas (~490 g).
- It has helped avoid ~72 billion tonnes of CO₂ since 1970.
- Requires far less land than solar/wind power.
- But waste stays radioactive for thousands of years.
🇬🇧 3. Why the UK Is Investing More
On June 10, 2025, the UK government announced:
- £14.2 billion to complete Sizewell C, total public funding: £17.8 billion.
- Will provide 3.2 GW to power 6 million homes.
- 10,000 construction jobs and 1,500 apprenticeships.
- £2.5 billion into small modular reactors (SMRs) by Rolls‑Royce.
Goals: Net-zero targets, energy security, support for AI and digital infrastructure.
📊 4. Key Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Lifecycle CO₂ | ~12 g CO₂e/kWh |
| Global nuclear investment 2025 | ~$75 billion |
| UK nuclear share (2023) | ~15% of electricity |
| Sizewell C cost estimate | £17.8 billion (may reach £40 billion) |
🧠 5. Analysis
- Pros: Reliable, low-carbon power, jobs, and industrial growth.
- Cons: High costs, slow construction, long-term waste issues.
Conclusion: Nuclear power is a strategic bet—balancing climate, energy security, and economics against major environmental and financial risks.
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