The UK government has set new plans to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies, aiming to boost economic growth, support the rapid expansion of AI data centres, and deliver reliable low-carbon energy
A newly published Advanced Nuclear Framework shows us how ministers plan to attract private investment and bring new nuclear projects from concept to construction.
The Advanced Nuclear Framework is part of what the government is calling a new “golden age” for nuclear power, positioning Britain as a global leader in next-generation reactor technologies while creating thousands of skilled jobs across the country.
A clean route to market for new nuclear
The Advanced Nuclear Framework is the first of its kind in the UK and is designed to give developers and investors greater clarity on how advanced nuclear projects can progress.
It establishes a formal pipeline of projects that meet essential readiness criteria, such as technological maturity, developer capability, and credible financing plans.
Projects accepted into the pipeline would receive in-principle government recognition, helping unlock private capital and reduce uncertainty. While developments are expected to be privately financed, the framework allows for discussions of targeted government support when it offers value to taxpayers and billpayers, including potential revenue support once reactors are operational and limited risk protections for extremely rare events.
A new concierge-style service will also guide developers through planning, regulatory requirements, fuel requirements, and investor engagement, helping projects move faster through complex approval processes.
Powering industry
Advanced nuclear technologies, including advanced, small, and micro modular reactors, are designed to be manufactured in factories rather than built entirely on site.
This approach could reduce construction times and costs, while spreading skilled manufacturing jobs across multiple regions.
These reactors can provide clean electricity either to the national grid or directly to energy-intensive users such as factories and AI data centres. Many designs also operate at higher temperatures, enabling them to supply excess heat for industrial processes, supporting wider decarbonisation of British industry.
Developers are targeting the mid-2030s for the first advanced modular reactors to become operational in the UK.
Major projects are already taking place
Several high-profile projects are already in development. Plans include advanced modular reactors at Hartlepool, potentially supporting around 2,500 jobs, and small modular reactors at the former coal-fired power station site in Cottam, Nottinghamshire, providing clean power for on-site data centres.
The UK is also exploring further deployments in partnership with US companies, strengthening transatlantic collaboration on nuclear technology. In parallel, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is making surplus land available for clean energy projects at sites including Chapelcross in Scotland, Trawsfynydd in Wales, and locations in Cumbria.
Alongside the Advanced Nuclear Framework, the government has published a Statement on Civil Nuclear Fuel Use that sets out requirements for uranium-based civil nuclear fuel. This provides long-term clarity on energy security, environmental protection, and the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.
Projects can also get support from the National Wealth Fund, which can act as a catalytic investor to help reduce risk and crowd in further private finance.
