24th June 2025

Nuclear power should be limited to backup storage for an energy system driven by renewables

Our position statement on nuclear power says nuclear must not come at the cost of renewables

In a new position statement on nuclear power, the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change says:

• The UK Government should limit the development of nuclear power according to the advice of the Climate Change Committee, only producing what is necessary as a backup fuel for an energy system predominantly driven by renewable energy. 
• The priority for the green transition should be maximising the development and use of renewables, including battery storage, rapid expansion of the transmission grid, upgrading of the distribution network and speeding up grid connection processes.
• Any proposed development of nuclear power as a source of energy must take into account potential risks to human health, the long term uncertainties regarding storage of radioactive waste, high costs, and uncertainties related to future climatic events and malicious attacks.