Ireland is capable of developing a nuclear power programme that would provide cheaper energy than alternative proposals, reduce carbon emissions faster and enable a “just transition” to new sectors for hundreds of energy workers, a group of experts has said.

18for0, an Irish voluntary group of experts in energy and related fields, said it is urging Ireland’s minister for the environment, climate and communications, Eamon Ryan, to consider the “very promising’ role nuclear power can play in reducing carbon emissions in the country.

In December 2020 the group sent a preliminary study into nuclear energy development in Ireland to Mr Ryan, who is leader of the country’s Green Party, after he said he would not rule out nuclear power, but added there had been no active calls to examine its viability for Ireland.