Nuclear and offshore wind energy comparison information: EIR release

Information requested

All internal briefings, analysis and minutes/notes from meetings, comparing nuclear energy and offshore wind energy, from the last three months.

Response

Some of the information you requested is available from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Economy Publication. The publication provides estimates of the size of the UK’s low carbon and renewable energy economy, including turnover and employment. Data is available for nuclear, and offshore energy. The latest publication can be found at the following link: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/bulletins/finalestimates/latest

Additional information – that was found in emails and briefings – can be found below. Please note that this material reflects the best information held at the time.

The Hinkley Point C CfD provides a Strike Price for the developer of £92.50/MWh (2012 prices), reducing to £89.50/MWh (2012 prices) if EDF take a final investment decision on their proposed Sizewell C project. Further information can be found via the following link: Hinkley Point C - GOV.UK

Email Extract 22 January 2026

• Nuclear power has proved significantly more expensive than renewables. In 2024’s allocation round, Hinkley Point C's strike price of £92.50 per MWh was over 40% higher than the onshore wind price of £64 per MWh and 27% higher than offshore wind at £73 per MWh.
• The UK Government’s own levelised cost analysis in 2023 - which accounts for the full lifetime costs of building, operating, and decommissioning power plants - shows new nuclear at £109 per MWh is nearly three times more expensive than onshore wind at £38 per MWh and more than double offshore wind at £44 per MWh.”

Briefing Extract 22 January 2026

• “Nuclear power has proved significantly more expensive than renewables. In 2024’s allocation round, Hinkley Point C's strike price of £89.50 per MWh was nearly 40% higher than the onshore wind price of £64 per MWh.
• The AR7 offshore wind strike price in Scotland of £89 per MWh reflects the continued investment in research and development by offshore wind developers as they push technological boundaries. Offshore wind is a relatively new and rapidly advancing technology while nuclear remains stubbornly expensive despite being a mature technology that's been developed for over half a century.”

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.