Does nuclear energy have a future in the UK? Lords Economic Affairs Committee follows up on electricity market inquiry
On Tuesday 12 February 2019, the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee will be taking evidence from Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, and Professor Dieter Helm CBE, Professor of Energy Policy at the University of Oxford.
They will be giving evidence on the challenges of building new nuclear power plants in the UK, in a follow-up session on the Committee's 2017 report, The Price of Power: Reforming the Electricity Market.
The first session will begin at 3.35pm and will take evidence from Tom Greatrex. The second session begins at 4.20pm and will take evidence from Professor Helm.
Questions the Committee are likely to ask both witnesses include:
- What future does new nuclear have in the UK?
- How likely is it that Hinkley Point C will be opened in 2025 within budget?
- Is the Hitachi chairman's view that a Government majority stake is the only way forward for the Wylfa project correct?
- Was it sensible of the Government to attempt to support different nuclear technologies rather than focusing more narrowly?
- Do you agree with the Committee's report which recommended power auctions be overseen by a new Energy Commission?
- Will future technological advances warrant a relaxation of the required pace of emissions reductions in the electricity supply?
These evidence sessions, which are open to the public, will start at 3.35pm on Tuesday 12 February 2019 in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords.
