To defeat the nuclear NIMBYs, we need more than planning reform
Nuclear power is a prime example of why the UK has struggled for growth in recent decades.
Cheap, renewable, and in much more abundant supply than fossil fuels; when nuclear energy sources are built, they provide incredible energy security and supply. But only when they are built.
Throughout the 21st Century, the UK political system has been caught between wanting nuclear power when its needed (usually ‘now’), without the pushback and delays.
The result? Despite two decades of talk, while other countries have a clearer and – critically – more consistent policy on nuclear, the UK has lagged.
The extent of this is stark; only one nuclear power plant has been under construction in the UK since 1995. China has 29 under production at this very moment.
Positive signals… but more to do
The Government’s announcement on reforming nuclear power development regulations is positive. These reforms will help get more SMRs built and operating in the UK.
As Labour focuses on regulatory reforms to facilitate the development of projects, the Government will quickly realise another crucial element for advancing the nuclear renaissance and achieving growth plans: building genuine advocacy for nuclear projects to withstand inevitable opposition.
The irony of the Government supporting big infrastructure is that it needs political safety. Industry and strategic initiatives need government endorsement for nuclear energy. In turn, the Government relies on voters buy in to maintain this support.
The Government has been able to take the ‘easy’ steps of making the planning ecosystem more streamlined. But as projects begin to form, plans begin to emerge, and sites begin to be designated, the Government must articulate a compelling narrative and vision for why these projects are a necessity nationally as well as locally.
Making opposition the blip, not the prevailing trend
We have carried out significant research into the public’s attitudes to nuclear. It shows that nuclear energy is not only supported broadly as a homegrown energy resource, but that support increases when you look at the attitudes of people close to existing sites.
This is unsurprising; nuclear brings high-skilled jobs and inward investment into traditionally rural (and deprived) regions, like Cumbria and North Wales.
But this support cannot be taken for granted. Certain areas of the UK, where populations start from a net-negative perception of new infrastructure will need a more overt, convincing argument for why an SMR being built outside their town is good for them.
Universal nuclear support is unlikely, but the voices supporting nuclear need to be amplified. Opposition needs to be the blip, not the prevailing trend to deliver enduring support for nuclear. Nuclear needs long term support – as Tony Blair implied in 2006, you can’t just ‘rustle up’ a nuclear power station when you need one.
Wind and solar developments are excellent cases in point. The national case is undoubted, the local case, less so. It means there is still ample room for concerted opposition groups to work which – despite the Government being incredibly pro-renewable development – can slow things down considerably.
Building advocacy now, not later
All this brings us to the challenge the Government must begin thinking about now, rather than later. It is unclear as of yet whether SMRs will be consented via local, or national, planning processes. However, if they are the latter, such opposition groups could jeopardise SMR projects being developed if left unabated.
To mitigate this, the Government – to support developers – needs to start developing a convincing narrative for ‘the need for nuclear’. One that is underpinned by rigorous research and economic analysis, but also a compelling outline for the national need. Without this there is a serious risk that gentle nods of passive approval with not catalyse into active advocacy, leaving opposition voices unchallenged.
By presenting nuclear development as an integral part of a broader vision for essential infrastructure, the Government can highlight its necessity for the UK’s future prosperity. This approach will go a long way to ensuring that today’s reforms don’t just solve part of the problem but pave the way for substantial long-term improvements to the nation’s energy landscape.
Our Copper compass for securing consent for renewables in Wales is:
- Go early – Don’t let misinformation fill the space before you’ve even introduced a project.
- Be transparent – Share both benefits and challenges. Honesty builds credibility.
- Localise the narrative – Show how renewable projects deliver for this community, not just national climate goals.
- Challenge misinformation, but welcome disagreement – Push back on conspiracy theories but treat criticism as a chance to explain benefits.
- Leave a legacy – Social value, long-term community benefit funds, local skills programmes – these are the strongest counter-narratives to myths.
If you would like to discuss our research, our experience in Wales, or find out more about our Welsh team and expertise, you can get in touch with Lisa Childs.