United Kingdom Energy Shaping UK’s Civil Nuclear Future

The UK government has an ambition for up to 24 Gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity by 2050. In releasing its Civil Nuclear Roadmap in January 2024, His Majesty’s Government (HMG) pointed to the need to pursue all types of nuclear energy, from gigawatt-scale reactors to small modular reactors (SMRs), and advanced modular reactors (AMRs). Great British Nuclear (GBN) was formed as an arm-length body under the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero to drive nuclear energy expansion and deliver the government’s goals.

HMG’s current civil nuclear efforts underway include:
-    The construction of two new nuclear reactors Hinkley Point C (HPC) nuclear power station and plans for a similar 3.2-gigawatt power station at Sizewell C (SZC).  
-    GBN has down selected six companies for its SMR competition, with further down selection set to be released this summer.
-    Consultations on alternative routes to market for new nuclear projects including AMRs.
-    Consultations on policy to set criteria for identifying new nuclear sites.
-    Funding for projects to support UK’s nuclear fuel supply chain and specifically for the UK production of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU).

As the UK government proactively pursues nuclear energy, supply chain opportunities exist for U.S. companies at existing HPC and SZC sites and in nuclear fuel development. Further opportunities will become available in the Small Modular Reactor market as the SMR competition advances. 

Companies can provide input into the ongoing consultations on the future of UK civil nuclear policy by visiting: https://energygovuk.citizenspace.com/energy-markets/alternative-routes-to-market/ and https://energygovuk.citizenspace.com/energy-security/new-nps-for-siting-nuclear-power-generation/ .

For information or updates on the UK nuclear energy sector, please contact Rachel Fefer, Commercial Specialist.