Now a report, Leaving the EU: The Euratom Treaty, by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME), a company that aims to improve the world through engineering, confirmed in January that the UK would sever ties with the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) once it left the European Union, raising concerns over Britain's plans to build a new generation of nuclear power stations.
Disappointing lack of clarity about future of nuclear power and research in the UK. No promise to continue JET operation, for instance. pic.twitter.com/LGHpF1zPKO
— Stewart Martin-Haugh (@StewMH) 2 February 2017
The 1957 Euratom Treaty enables a single market of goods and services for nuclear projects, as well as the creation of trade deals.
In their report, IME argue that the UK government must act fast to develop a suitable transitional framework to replace Euratom.
United Kingdom white paper on leaving the EU (section 8.29 states it's wish to leave the Euratom Treaty) #nuclearhttps://t.co/vaorL2iqRa
— Paul (@phiggins1975) February 2, 2017
IME also claim that without any transitional arrangements, the UK is at risk of losing access to the markets and skills that are necessary to building and constructing new power plants. In addition to this, some experts allege that existing stations may be unable to access fuel.
Jennifer Baxter, IME Head of Energy and Environment and lead author of the report, said that if a replacement for Euratom is found, negotiations could propel Britain to a global nuclear power leader status.
"Making these transitional arrangements will be difficult, particularly given the short time-scale, but if done correctly could present the UK with opportunities to speed up the process of developing new nuclear power plants and reprocessing facilities, boost UK nuclear skills as well as open up the UK to more international trade deals," Baxter said in a recent interview.
The report recommends that a framework is developed to help provide the UK nuclear industry with the same guidelines as Euratom. This will mean creating Nuclear Cooperation Agreements with non-EU trading countries.
