Britain must embrace nuclear to lead in AI and clean energy

In recent months, Ed Miliband, the UK's Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, has emphasized the critical importance of nuclear energy as part of the country’s transition to a sustainable and reliable energy system. During a speech at the Nuclear Industry Association’s conference, he outlined the government's commitment to developing a diverse energy portfolio that includes not only nuclear power, but also wind, solar, batteries, and carbon capture. Miliband pointed out that the UK requires a stable and clean energy source to meet its growing demand, especially as the country aims for the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Additionally, Great British Nuclear (GBN), the governmental body responsible for advancing small modular reactor (SMR) projects, has commenced contract negotiations with multiple vendors. These SMRs are viewed as a potential game-changer for energy production due to their flexibility and lower capital costs compared to traditional nuclear plants. Ed Miliband has made it clear that the government welcomes proposals for nuclear projects, aiming to foster public and private investment in this technology which is seen as pivotal for economic development and energy security. The move towards a greater reliance on nuclear power also comes with calls to address the perception issues surrounding this energy source. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change published a report urging the UK to overcome the fears linked to nuclear energy, arguing that such concerns are largely unfounded and detrimental to efforts in combating climate change. This push for nuclear was instantaneous, especially in the wake of an apparent overreaction to past nuclear incidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. The report highlights that the world could have significantly reduced its energy-related carbon dioxide emissions had it not distanced itself excessively from nuclear technology. Moreover, as major tech companies like Google and Microsoft explore nuclear energy to support their increasing energy needs driven by artificial intelligence, the economic and environmental stakes are higher than ever. This alignment indicates an emerging trend whereby countries looking to remain competitive in the tech landscape are revisiting nuclear energy and its potential to power future innovations sustainably. With the UK needing to keep pace with other nations that have committed to nuclear programs, Miliband’s emphasis on collaboration and investment reflects a necessary shift in strategy to embrace nuclear energy as an indispensable part of the country’s energy strategy moving forward.