解锁英国先进的模块化反应堆

Unlocking AdvancedModular Reactorsin the UK Executive summary Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) have the potentialto make an important contribution to the UK’s cleanenergy transition, offering flexible, cost-effective powergeneration as well as supporting industrial decarbonisationapplications through the supply of high-temperature steam(e.g. hydrogen production). However, deployment is being slowed by systemic barriers that deterinvestment and delay progress at a time when energy demand is rising. This paper explores some potential steps to overcome these barriersand outlines how an enabling framework – focused on reducing early –stage risks, supporting infrastructure, providing regulatory clarity, andcoordinating delivery – could unlock private capital and accelerate first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects. With the right support, AMRs could open newopportunities for private investment, supply chain growth, and skilledemployment, while helping the UK meet its energy and climate objectives. Unlocking Advanced Modular Reactors in the UK The UK risks falling behind in the global race to deploy next-generationnuclear technology. Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) offer a transformativeopportunity to deliver clean, flexible, and cost-effective energy. Yet, despite their potential, development is constrained by systemic barriers that are slowing overallprogress. This comes at a time when the UK’s energy needs are intensifying: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA),global electricity demand is projected to double by 2050.* Without targeted intervention, the UK risks missing a critical opportunity to establish global leadershipin advanced modular reactors, attract private investment, and achieve its net zero and energy securityobjectives. So what exactly are Advanced Modular Reactors? AMRs are a new generation of modular nucleartechnology. They are designed to be quicker and cheaper to build than traditional power stations, whilealso being more flexible in how they can be utilised. Some AMRs also open up cogeneration options,such as supplying industrial heat alongside electricity. Importantly, they have real potential to become part of the UK’s clean energy mix. Here, we explore five of the most critical barriers to deployment and consider how targeted supportcould accelerate deployment and establish AMRs as a credible part of the UK’s clean energy mix. Five major barriers to the deployment of AMRs in the UK 1. Lack of deployment-ready sites 2. Uncertain route to revenue Historically, UK nuclear development has taken placeon a small number of legacy sites, many of which arealready committed to large projects or are constrained byenvironmental, grid, or community factors.1 Investors need confidence in how AMR projects will generatereliable returns once operational. In practice, this means a clear view of long-term revenues and risk-sharing beforecommitting capital. The challenge is heightened by the fact that nuclear projectstypically involve long construction periods, with little or no income until the plant iscommissioned – extending the timeframe over which capital is tied up. While the proposed new nuclear planning policy (EN-7, the draft NationalPolicy Statement for Nuclear Energy Generation) allows for developmentacross a broader range of sites than previously, the process of securing andpreparing land remains complex, costly, and uncertain for AMR developers. In the US, the Department of Energy has recognised this by co-funding two first-of-a-kind advanced reactor projects – TerraPower’s Natrium and X-energy’s Xe-100 – through the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program1. Cost-shared supportprovides a bridge to revenue, ensuring private capital is not left to carry the entireburden of proving untested designs. Securing land rights, engaging local stakeholders, carrying out sitecharacterisation studies, and pursuing major planning permission applicationsare high-risk, expensive activities. Without government support in identifyingor preparing sites, developers are forced to carry this burden upfront, oftenbefore financing or regulatory clarity is in place. This slows the pipeline ofcredible projects reaching maturity. In the UK, a range of potential commercial models exists – from long-term contractswith industrial users to mechanisms such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs),Contracts for Difference (CfDs), or a Regulated Asset Base (RAB) approach. Most,though not all, would require some form of government support. The barrier is notthe absence of options, but the lack of early certainty over which model will applyand how it can be accessed. Without predictable revenue signals at the outset, evenwell-backed projects are likely to remain stuck at early development. Five major barriers to the deployment of AMRs 3. Planning and regulatory uncertainty 4. No central coordination For developers, the licensing pathway for AMRs remainsuncertain, with nuclear safety and environmental regula