There are currently 9 nuclear power stations across England, Scotland and Wales, providing around 16% of the electricity consumed in the UK in 2010 – about 6% of total UK primary energy supplies. On the basis of current plans and as the fleet of stations have grown older, all but one of the existing nuclear power stations will have shut by 2023. As a result the contribution of nuclear power to electricity generation in the UK is in decline at the moment, having produced 30% of all electricity output during the 1990s.
There are currently 16 operating reactors in the UK as well as those that are now closed. A table and map show details and locations:
The Government is clear that nuclear power, without public subsidy specific to the nuclear industry, has a role to play in our energy mix, alongside a massive expansion in other low-carbon technologies including renewable and carbon capture and storage. Government is committed to removing any unnecessary obstacles to investment in new nuclear power.
It will be for private sector energy companies to construct, operate and decommission nuclear power stations. It will be for the Government to ensure appropriate levels of safety, security and environmental regulation.