Most research suggests the UK will need a marked boost in generating capacity in order to meet its growing energy requirements over the next ten years.  The combination of rising energy demand, and the closure of nuclear and ageing conventional plant, mean that without new investment the UK faces a near 20,000MW energy shortage by 2016. 

The challenges of global warming, combined with concerns over energy security, have led many to believe that nuclear power offers the best means of overcoming this problem.  Nuclear power is carbon free, does not involve the UK relying on other countries (such as Russia) for energy supplies, and at this stage has a keen backing from Government and investors.