Trudy Harrison has urged the Government to address the benefits of Small Modular Reactors in the UK.
In Oral Parliamentary Questions to the Chancellor of Exchequer, Trudy asked Phillip Hammond what his department is doing to establish the UK as a world leader in new technologies.
He said: “The Government is determined to ensure the UK is at the forefront of developing new technologies.
“Since 2016, I have committed £7 billion more for R and D, that’s a 20 per cent uplift, demonstrating clear progress towards the government’s ambitions to raise investment in R and D to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027.
“And among other things, this funding supporting a £305 million national quantum technology programme, £950 million AI sector deal and £250 million for connected and autonomous vehicles.”
Mrs Harrison went on to urge Government to recognise the benefits that a fleet of Small Modular Reactors could bring to the UK.
She said: “Small Modular Reactors could bring a wealth of economic, environmental and social benefits.
“Will the Treasury continue to champion the benefits of SMRS and ensure the market is adequately supported in financial and policy terms to ensure success?”
Mr Hammond, added: “The Government does indeed recognise the potential for the UK to become a leader in developing the next generation of nuclear technologies, provided that there is a demonstrable value for money for consumers and taxpayers.
“And to this end, my Right Hon friend the Secretary of State for BEIS is considering an industrial strategy challenge fund proposal on Small Modular Reactors and whether this is value for money.”
Mrs Harrison recently secured a Westminster Hall Debate on the future of SMRs in the UK, asking Energy Minister Richard Harrington MP what the Government is doing to promote policy to progress with SMR’s in the UK.