Beyond and beneath megaprojects: exploring submerged drivers of nuclear infrastructures. Issue 2 (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johnstone, Phil; Stirling, Andy
• Is Part Of: Journal of mega infrastructure & sustainable development. Volume 2:Issue 2(2020/2022)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Nuclear -- military -- submarines -- UK -- energy policy; Infrastructure (Economics) -- Planning -- Periodicals; Public works -- Planning -- Periodicals; Public utilities -- Planning -- Periodicals; 363.60684
• DOI: 10.1080/24724718.2021.2012351
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2472-4718

Abstract

Abstract: Nuclear power has long offered an iconic context for addressing risk and controversy surrounding megaprojects – including trends towards cost overruns, management failures, governance challenges, and accountability breaches. Less attention has focused on reasons why countries continue new nuclear construction despite these well-documented problems. Whilst other analysis tends to frame associated issues in terms of energy provision, this paper will explore how civil nuclear infrastructures subsist within wider 'infrastructure ecologies' – encompassing ostensibly discrete megaprojects across both civil and military nuclear sectors. Attending closely to the UK case, we show how understandings of megaprojects can move beyond bounded sectoral and time horizons to include infrastructure patterns and rhythms that transcend the usual academic and policy silos. By illuminating strong military-related drivers modulating civil nuclear 'infrastructure rhythms' in the UK, key issues arise concerning bounded notions of a 'megaproject' in this context – for instance in how costs are calculated around what seems a far more deeply and broadly integrated 'nuclear complex'. Major undeclared interdependencies between civilian and military nuclear activities raise significant implications for policymaking and wider democracy.