Lord Mandelson indicates more nuclear energy work will go to private sector

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has indicated that the Government will outsource more of its nuclear energy work to the private sector as it looks to pare back its spending.

By Nic Fildes Published: 6:56PM BST 23 Jun 2009
"Apart from the enduring vale for money of outsourcing, the government has to operate under greater constraints … we will use the private sector more," he said at a nuclear power industry event held in London.
Companies such as VT, which organised the event, and Rolls-Royce provide outsourcing services in the burgeoning UK nuclear industry.

Mr Mandelson said that UK-based companies are able to supply up to 90pc of the work for new-build nuclear power stations.
But he added that the government is "looking carefully" at public and private sector options for boosting Britain's nuclear manufacturing capacity in areas such as ultra-large components and reactor pressure vessels.
Mr Mandelson said that the government is "not in the business of giving out subsidies" but conceded that it is very difficult for companies to secure financing for large infrastructure projects in the current economic climate.