UK Deemed World's Most Expensive for Nuclear Power, Government Review Calls for 'Radical Reset'

UK Nuclear Costs Under Scrutiny

A recent government-commissioned review has concluded that the United Kingdom holds the unenviable distinction of being the world's most expensive location to construct nuclear power plants. The Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce, established by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in February, published its final report on Sunday, November 23, 2025, with further details emerging on Monday, November 24, 2025. The report attributes these exorbitant costs primarily to 'overly complex' and fragmented bureaucracy and regulation, alongside a prevailing mindset that prioritises process over outcome.

The taskforce's findings highlight that the current system is burdened by rules that cause significant delays and inflate expenses. John Fingleton, chair of the Taskforce and former head of the Office of Fair Trading, stated, 'Our solutions are radical, but necessary. By simplifying regulation, we can maintain or enhance safety standards while finally delivering nuclear capacity safely, quickly, and affordably.'

Calls for 'Radical Reset' and Sweeping Reforms

In response to its findings, the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce has issued a strong call for a 'radical reset' of existing procedures and regulations. The report outlines 47 recommendations aimed at accelerating project delivery, reducing costs, and strengthening safety standards.

Key recommendations include:

• Establishing a single authority or 'one-stop shop' to coordinate nuclear decision-making.
• Streamlining regulatory processes to eliminate duplication and improve proportionality.
• Aligning the UK's risk standards with international norms.

These reforms are projected to save 'tens of billions of pounds' in project costs and decommissioning expenses, potentially leading to lower energy bills for consumers.

Global Context and UK's Nuclear Ambitions

The review underscores the UK's challenging position in the global nuclear landscape. Analysis from December 2023 indicated that Britain ranked 15th out of 16 countries in terms of construction cost per megawatt hour (MW) of generating capacity, with only America performing worse. Countries like China and South Korea are able to build nuclear plants at a significantly lower cost, with South Korea benefiting from a strategy of building entire fleets of reactors.

Despite these challenges, the UK, along with 30 other nations, has pledged to triple its nuclear capacity by 2050 as part of its net-zero commitments. Nuclear power supplied approximately 15% of the UK's electricity in 2024, but most existing reactors are scheduled for closure by 2030, intensifying the pressure for new construction.

Current major projects, such as Hinkley Point C in Somerset and Sizewell C in Suffolk, have faced significant delays and cost escalations. Hinkley Point C's cost has reportedly risen from £18 billion to over £35 billion, with completion delayed until as late as 2031.

Government Response and Industry Reaction

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband welcomed the taskforce's findings, stating that the government is committed to delivering a 'new golden age of nuclear' as part of efforts to strengthen energy security. However, an interim report in August had drawn criticism from a coalition of 25 civil society groups, who warned of the potential dangers of cutting nuclear safety regulations, questioning the proposals' 'credibility and rigour'.

The Chancellor is expected to formally respond to the report's recommendations at the upcoming Budget.