OR models assist the Sizewell B public inquiry: The NCB's use of linear programming

The Sizewell B Inquiry was the longest planning inquiry to be held in the UK. It is not well known that OR models played a crucial role in the economic analysis of the proposed nuclear power station and the alternative of using imported steam coal. Two great nationalised industries, the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) and the National Coal Board (NCB) locked horns in a battle of epic proportions. The NCB, with the help of OR models, won the battle but did not manage to prevent consent being given to the CEGB to build the first PWR nuclear power station in the UK. Sizewell B is now supplying electricity to the national grid.