DESNZ announces reforms to nuclear power development planning framework
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced reforms to the planning framework for nuclear power development in England and Wales. Key reforms include facilitating the construction of Small Modular Reactors in the UK for the first time. Additional reforms include removing the previous restriction that limited nuclear development to eight designated sites, encouraging investment by enabling developers to identify optimal locations for their projects. This approach will support development across a wider range of sites and promote earlier engagement in the planning process, with developers encouraged to bring forward potential sites at the pre-application stage. Furthermore, the expiry date on nuclear planning rules will be removed, preventing projects from being timed out. A new Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce will also be established, which will report directly to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. The Taskforce aims to spearhead improvements to nuclear regulations and expedite project delivery, along with streamlining the approval process for new reactor designs, among other aspects.