UK / Regions With Nuclear Are Already Reaching Decarbonisation Targets, Says NIA

Reactors led zero-carbon generation on 44% of days in 2020, analysis shows
Regions With Nuclear Are Already Reaching Decarbonisation Targets, Says NIA
Seven of the UK’s eight nuclear power stations are due to retire by 2030. Courtesy EDF Energy.
Britain remains dependent on fossil fuels, but regions with both nuclear and wind power are already reaching 2030 decarbonisation targets, according to analysis conducted by the Nuclear Industry Association of figures published by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO).

Southern Scotland, North East England and North West England had the cleanest power, hitting the UK’s 2030 electricity decarbonisation target of 50-100g CO2 per kWh of electricity on more than 85% of days in 2020. Southern Scotland had a mean daily carbon intensity of 43g, North East England 47g, and North West England 53g.

Southern Scotland, with Hunterston B1, Hunterston B2, Torness-1 and Torness-2, and North West England (Heysham-1 and -2) both have operational nuclear plants alongside substantial renewable capacity, while North East England is home to two units at Hartlepool and a number of wind farms.

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