Renewables and nuclear must work together to reach net zero, new report argues

Nuclear energy should play an important role in the U.K.’s net zero future, according to a new report authored by experts from the Dalton Nuclear Institute at The University of Manchester.

Titled “The road to net zero: renewables and nuclear working together,” the report shines a spotlight on the flexibility of nuclear as an energy source and its potential in a net zero future.

The report offers a fresh perspective on nuclear, which—until now—has not often been seen as a flexible technology because it operates best when run flat out continuously. However, in addition to nuclear reactors producing electricity, the process produces nuclear-enabled heat and hydrogen, a storable standby energy source.

While the experts agree that renewable energy sources should be a major contributor to future energy strategy, there is an argument that nuclear energy can complement the variability of renewables contending with the U.K.’s island weather system—negating the need to rely on expensive back-up natural gas power plants.

Zara Hodgson, Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute at The University of Manchester said, “The time to research, evaluate and plan for the delivery of a clean energy future is now—and the clock is ticking. We hope this report will prompt debate within the energy sector and help to inform policy, so that Great Britain is in the best possible position to meet its ambitious 2050 net zero target.

“Great strides have already been made in driving forward renewable energy initiatives and moving away from fossil-fuel burning power plants. And as part of an integrated approach to Great Britain’s future energy mix, nuclear can help ensure gas power plants do not play a key role.”

Included in the report are the Dalton Nuclear Institute’s ten recommendations to government and industry for effective net zero road-mapping, including the need for decision-making on the future energy mix to consider the capacity factors of new and existing infrastructure. The delivery of low-carbon, cost-effective dispatchable electricity must also be prioritized to support the overall system.

Traditionally, proponents of renewables and nuclear have been divided in their viewpoints. However, the report stresses the importance of a joined-up approach where nuclear, renewables, energy storage and hydrogen production can all play their parts in a cleaner, greener future.