Press Release

The current situation in Japan is a major humanitarian disaster and our sympathies are very much with the Japanese people at this time of such distress.           

We recognise that the situation is also a major concern for the global nuclear industry. However, we still do not have the full facts surrounding the severe problems at Fukushima power plant and we are monitoring the situation closely.

We welcome the comments made by Prime Minister David Cameron, and Secretary of State Chris Huhne, and support their views that government should take time to review and learn the lessons of the Japan crisis, while at the same time recognising that our current nuclear fleet has an excellent safety record and is a crucial part of our low-carbon power supply       

It is a sensible and prudent step that the Government’s Chief Nuclear Inspector, Dr. Mike Weightman will report back on key safety findings and lessons learnt. The nuclear industry is benchmarked by others for it’s safety record and ability to constantly evaluate and act on safety issues.             

It is too soon to make snap judgements – we simply do not have all of the facts at the moment. However, the UK nuclear industry is determined to learn lessons from this event as safety is of paramount concern and an absolute priority for our industry. We cannot and will not be complacent.         

It must be remembered that nuclear is vital to secure the UK’s long-term environmental and security of supply needs into the future.

About the NIA;

The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) is the trade association and representative voice of Britain’s civil nuclear industry. It represents 250 companies including the operators and vendors of nuclear power stations, those engaged in decommissioning, waste management, nuclear liabilities management and all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear equipment suppliers, engineering and construction firms, nuclear research organisations, and legal, financial and consultancy companies. The Nuclear Industry Association supports a balanced low-carbon energy future for the UK including renewables, clean coal and gas – with nuclear at its low-carbon centre.