United States
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The go-ahead for Britain's first new nuclear power station in 20 years, Hinkley Point C, marks a major change of policy. The Fall and Rise of Nuclear Power in Britain traces the UK's nuclear energy history, from the optimism of the 1950s, through the disillusionment of the 1980s to a new role for nuclear in the 21st century.
- How the dreams of cheap electricity and export success died.
- How privatizing the electricity industry revealed the wishful thinking of the nuclear sector.
- Why improved management gave the privatized nuclear stations a new lease of life.
- How the 2008 Climate Change Act unexpectedly encouraged 'new nuclear'.
- Criticism of the industry:
- "Why has it taken so long to get new reactors?" v. "If we wait a few years, a solar revolution will provide affordable, low-risk power"
- Was this the right choice?
- Concerns about the prices future consumers will have to pay.
Simon Taylor is a University Lecturer in Cambridge Judge Business School and economist. He teaches on financial markets and institutions, and has done research on financing nuclear power.
