The Green Party of England and Wales has voted to abandon its longstanding blanket opposition to nuclear power, marking a significant shift in its energy policy. The decision, made during the party’s recent conference, allows members and elected representatives to assess nuclear projects on a case-by-case basis, rather than phasing out the technology entirely.

While the party’s electricity policy continues to prioritize renewable energy sources such as offshore wind, onshore wind, and rooftop solar, it now acknowledges a potential role for existing and future nuclear power within the country’s low-carbon energy mix. Green MP Carla Denyer, who supported the motion, described the change as a pragmatic response to the challenges of transitioning to a primarily renewable electricity system.

Denyer noted that maintaining current nuclear facilities could be a viable low-carbon strategy, given that much of their carbon footprint arises from construction rather than operation. She suggested that an evidence-based approach would involve keeping existing plants running while carefully considering new nuclear proposals in terms of their cost, speed of deployment, and environmental impact.

This stance represents a departure from Denyer’s position in 2023, when she characterized nuclear energy as slow and expensive and emphasized renewables as the preferred solution to the climate crisis. Other party figures have maintained skepticism about nuclear power. Zack Polanski, the party leader, has called the technology outdated, likening investments in new nuclear plants to “creating a fax machine.” Similarly, Adrian Ramsay, former Green co-leader, criticized government support for the Sizewell C nuclear project, arguing that funds would be better allocated to energy efficiency measures like home insulation to reduce bills and improve comfort.

The Greens' previous opposition to nuclear fission was closely tied to its foundational commitment to opposing nuclear weapons. However, Eugene McCarthy, a co-founder of Greens for Nuclear and advocate for the policy revision, said the pressing urgency of the climate crisis requires openness to all low-carbon energy options.

The vote to modify the party’s position reflects ongoing debates about the role of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero emissions, balancing concerns over cost and environmental impact with the need for reliable, low-carbon power.