UK-France nuclear deal reached
3 Feb 2014
The UK and French governments have signed a declaration to develop commercial opportunities and skills in nuclear energy.
Friday’s declaration, which comes ahead of national leaders’ discussions over the EU’s 2030 energy and climate policy framework, reiterates both governments’ view that nuclear power has a critical role to play in a cost-effective low carbon transition.
The new move is designed to allow both the UK and France to collaborate on the construction of new nuclear facilities, to maximise opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in nuclear supply-chains and to fund joint training and skills centres.
The deal is the latest in a string of UK-French initiatives on energy and climate policy, including successfully pushing for the European Commission to propose a 40% EU domestic emissions reduction target for 2030.
To unlock the full benefits of the single energy market, European countries need to become more interconnected
Energy secretary Edward Davey
Energy secretary Edward Davey said: “Our partnership on nuclear power has already borne fruit, with this Government’s agreement with EDF on key commercial terms for an investment contract that would enable Britain’s first new nuclear power station in a generation to be built at Hinkley Point in Somerset.
“To unlock the full benefits of the single energy market, European countries need to become more interconnected. So today, we agreed to continue our work to build more electricity interconnectors between our two nations.”
Similarly, the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) - which is owned by the UK government - has announced that it has signed agreements with three French nuclear organisations to develop a stronger nuclear future.
The NNL will work alongside the CEA, – France’s atomic energy and alternative energies commission - through a letter of intent, to enhance co-operation on advanced fuel and reactor technologies, particularly with regards to the ASTRID fast reactor.
NNL will also work with French reactor manufacturer Areva to develop nuclear fuel cycle technology, enhance existing plant lifetime capacity and to build on NNL’s involvement in the UK’s Nuclear Fuel Centre of Excellence - a collaborative research facility between the University of Manchester and the NNL.
Meanwhile, EDF will strengthen its existing collaboration with NNL to develop research, education and training for nuclear energy with a particular focus on the new build programme.
NNL managing director Paul Howarth said: “We are delighted today to announce these agreements which strengthen NNL’s relationships with the three biggest nuclear organisations in France.”
