The UK has a “golden opportunity” to become a world leader in the production of emissions-free synthetic fuels using nuclear energy, according a new report by energy consultants Equilibrion and the London-based Nuclear Industry Association.

The report on Synthetic Fuels released on Tuesday (14 March) outlines how scaling nuclear-derived synthetic fuels on a national level could help Britain decarbonise transport sectors to help deliver on energy security and net zero targets.

The transport sector is responsible for almost a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with aviation and shipping two of the most challenging areas to decarbonise.

The report details how nuclear, as a “proven, weatherproof, low-carbon energy source”, could provide the primary energy needs of the future synthetic fuels market, projected to be worth $600bn (€559bn) globally by 2050.