Analysis: It’s time to get real on nuclear

Professor Paul Dorfman (UCL Energy Institute) argues the market is clear that new large nuclear plants are a thing of the past. He explains that as 'old nuclear' goes offline, it should be replaced with quick-to-build renewables. We need to secure clean, safe, affordable, sustainable, low-carbon electricity to power industry, transport, homes, hospitals and businesses. The good news is we can achieve this through a set of technically and economically viable renewable options and, some argue, nuclear power. Yet, of the six designated sites for new a UK nuclear plant, three have been abandoned, two are in doubt, and only Hinkley Point C is under construction, albeit subject to escalating costs, time-slippage, and security concerns about Chinese involvement. That Hitachi has just run out of patience and decided to quit the UK nuclear new-build stage is an obvious blow. But does it signal a fundamental change in our energy policy, or has Hitachi's new nuclear project been put to the sword in order to plunge on with EDF's plans for two EPR reactors at Sizewell C? - The market view.