Construction of new nuclear power reactors in the UK could result in significant cost reductions, but coordinated action is needed to address the significant degradation challenges presented by the country’s transition to net-zero, according to a report by the Henry Royce Institute.

The report says new nuclear plants will have a longer service life than the last generation of nuclear facilities. Their environmental impact associated with infrastructure will also be lessened.

The institute, which is based at the University of Manchester and is the UK’s institute for advanced materials, is calling for a roadmap which would choose which technologies should be prioritised for investment and also be attached to key dates linked to when they are expected to come online. The roadmap could also define the most cost-effective investment pathway to net-zero, allowing industry and academia to develop research, development and innovation programmes in alignment with clear timescales for delivery.