Prime minister vows to ‘push past nimbyism’ and calls on tech firms to help build small modular reactors to power AI datacentres
In a historic move to bolster Britain’s energy infrastructure, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced an ambitious expansion of nuclear power across England and Wales. His government plans to utilize Labour’s substantial parliamentary majority to facilitate the development of new nuclear sites nationwide, including locations beyond the traditionally designated nuclear zones.
The announcement follows Starmer’s appeal to major technology firms to collaborate with the government in deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers across the UK. Speaking on Wednesday, Starmer emphasized the urgency of overcoming local resistance and declared his intent to push through opposition from within his own party to ensure the projects are realized.
The Prime Minister was clear in his stance against what he termed “nimbyism” (Not In My Back Yard opposition), stating that his government would break through any resistance to nuclear projects, particularly from newly elected rural and suburban Labour MPs. “This is where we’ve gone wrong for so long in this country,” Starmer remarked. “Everybody puts their hand up for infrastructure, for change, and then puts their hand up again to object to it being in their area. We’ve just got to break through that.”
For the first time, nuclear projects will not be restricted to the eight existing designated nuclear sites, meaning new power stations could be established anywhere across the UK. Additionally, Starmer outlined significant planning reforms designed to ease the development of small modular reactors, which he argued had been nearly impossible to build under previous regulations.
While the Prime Minister envisions that SMRs could be operational by 2032, challenges remain. No commercial SMRs are currently in operation globally, and the technology has relied heavily on government funding in other countries. Despite this, Starmer believes the new rules, set to be officially unveiled on Thursday, represent a transformative moment for nuclear energy in the UK.
Starmer extended an invitation to major technology companies, including Google, Meta, and Amazon, to invest in AI data centers powered by SMRs in Britain. He highlighted that tech firms recognize power supply as a critical issue and that their involvement could provide both financial backing and momentum to the development of these small reactors.
“If this takes off, then it’ll move. It could become more commonplace. People could get used to the idea of it,” he stated. He also hinted at potential incentives for residents living near nuclear sites, suggesting that local consumers might benefit from lower energy bills, similar to existing commitments for green energy infrastructure.
Addressing concerns about nuclear safety, Starmer assured the public that there would be no compromise in this area. “It can’t be with nuclear,” he said firmly. However, he reiterated the advantages of SMRs, noting that they are “quicker to build, small, and placed next to a particular facility that needs the power.”
Unlike previous nuclear projects, which have seen Chinese firms involved, Starmer clarified that this expansion would rely on partnerships with “trusted” allies rather than seeking investment from China. The decision follows years of debate over China’s role in the UK’s energy sector, particularly its involvement in projects such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.
The changes, which have been in development since before Labour’s electoral victory last year, will align nuclear planning with regulations governing other forms of power generation. The policy could facilitate future nuclear projects in regions with high energy demands, such as Teesside or the AI hubs around Oxford and Cambridge. However, no specific locations have been selected yet.
Industry experts have cautiously welcomed the move but acknowledge that planning restrictions are not the only obstacle hindering SMR development. Rolls-Royce, the FTSE 100-listed manufacturer, has expressed frustration over delays in the government’s SMR procurement process. The company is vying to build several reactors within the next decade, competing against three North American firms. Starmer admitted that the government must accelerate decision-making to support businesses and ensure Britain remains a leader in nuclear technology.
While the nuclear expansion plan has received backing from industry leaders, environmental organizations remain skeptical. Greenpeace dismissed the proposal as “nuclear industry spin,” arguing that SMRs have yet to prove their viability and pointing to the nuclear sector’s long history of cost overruns and delays.
“No SMRs have been built, and the nuclear industry’s record of being overtime and over-budget is unmatched by any other sector,” a Greenpeace spokesperson stated. The organization also criticized the government’s lack of focus on nuclear waste management, calling it a glaring omission from the proposal.
