So far so good at Sizewell B

Starting up new PWRs has become a routine matter for the nuclear industry worldwide, but the entry into operation of Sizewell B, the UK's first civil PWR, is a watershed event that will have a decisive effect on how nuclear energy is perceived in the UK and on the terms of reference of the UK nuclear debate. It is also likely to be happening at a time when the whole issue of nuclear power is under scrutiny in the government's long awaited nuclear review - although the scope and timescale for that exercise were, as of mid-February, unknown. To date construction and commissioning have gone extremely well - particularly for a first of a kind project of such complexity and size. The prospects for a follow-on PWR stations are discussed. (6 figures) (Author)