The UK government is reforming nuclear planning and regulation to accelerate infrastructure delivery, strengthen energy security, and reduce long-term project costs.
The UK government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the nuclear planning and regulatory system designed to accelerate project delivery, strengthen national energy security, and reduce infrastructure costs. The reforms follow an independent review led by John Fingleton, which identified an “overly complex” and “bureaucratic” regulatory framework that has slowed the development of nuclear infrastructure across the UK.
The government’s implementation plan will introduce a streamlined regulatory environment focused on evidence, proportionate risk assessment, and environmental protection. The reforms are intended to simplify the delivery of major nuclear projects while maintaining strict safety and biodiversity safeguards.
The full programme of reforms is expected to be implemented by the end of 2027, potentially influencing planning frameworks for other large-scale infrastructure developments.
Nuclear regulation reform
The overhaul forms a central component of the government’s wider clean energy strategy, designed to reduce reliance on volatile global fossil fuel markets while expanding domestic power generation. By accelerating the delivery of nuclear infrastructure, the government aims to secure reliable, low-carbon electricity produced within the UK.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “I am grateful to John Fingleton for his landmark review, and the government is today publishing our implementation plan to deliver his reforms.
“As the current Middle East conflict shows, we need to go further and faster to build the clean energy we need to get off volatile fossil fuel markets and deliver energy security for our country.
“A crucial part of this is ensuring that we speed up the building of infrastructure in a way that reduces costs as well as delivering better outcomes for nature.”
The government’s strategy aligns nuclear development with its Industrial Strategy and clean energy objectives, positioning nuclear energy as a core pillar of the UK’s future power system.
Driving expansion
The reform programme is designed to support several major nuclear infrastructure projects currently underway or planned across the UK. These include the development of Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station, the continued construction of Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station, and the deployment of the UK’s first small modular reactors at Wylfa.
The Sizewell C project alone is expected to support around 17,000 jobs nationwide during peak construction. Meanwhile, the expansion of small modular reactor (SMR) deployment aims to introduce more flexible nuclear generation capacity and support advanced manufacturing and digital construction techniques.
The government also intends to attract international investment partners to support additional nuclear developments across the country.
Removing regulatory barriers
A key focus of the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce recommendations is reducing duplication and complexity in planning and regulatory processes for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said the reforms are designed to unlock infrastructure investment while strengthening economic resilience.
“To build national resilience, drive energy security and deliver economic growth, we need nuclear. That’s why we’re overhauling the system, getting rid of duplicative or overly complex guidance, rules and regulations that have been holding back our nuclear ambitions.
“In a new era of global uncertainty, this government’s economic plan is the right one. Through stability, investment, and reform we are building a stronger and more secure economy.”
The review also recommended examining whether reforms to judicial review processes could be applied to other major planning regimes, potentially accelerating infrastructure delivery beyond the nuclear sector.
Investment in nuclear skills, research, and innovation
Alongside regulatory reform, the government is expanding investment in nuclear research, skills, and innovation. More than 500 doctoral students will be trained through new nuclear PhD programmes across UK universities, quadrupling the current intake of nuclear researchers.
Seven research programmes will receive £65.6 million in funding delivered through UK Research and Innovation. Institutions participating include Bangor University, University of Glasgow, and Imperial College London.
The research funding will support projects focusing on advanced reactor components, nuclear waste disposal technologies, innovative nuclear fuels and materials, and technologies linked to national security.
Industry partners will match the funding, reinforcing collaboration between academia, government, and the nuclear supply chain.
Engineering and construction consultancy Costain has welcomed the government’s decision to implement the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce recommendations.
Bob Anstey, Sector Director for Defence and Nuclear Energy at Costain, said: “To meet domestic energy requirements over the coming decades, accelerating the UK’s ability to generate safe, low carbon and sustainable electricity from nuclear energy sources is essential.
“The recommendations set out by the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce, including those that will reduce delays in the planning process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and recognises the status of nuclear technology as ‘Critical National Priority’, are sensible steps that will help to streamline the regulatory burden for megaprojects like Sizewell C and the UK’s SMR Programme.
“The recommendations will help to create a thriving UK nuclear energy sector, providing the foundation for national energy resilience and long-term economic prosperity, creating thousands of high-quality, high-skilled jobs within the UK.”
Nuclear regulatory reform could accelerate infrastructure delivery, reduce project costs, strengthen UK energy security, and expand digital construction innovation across major civil and defence nuclear programmes.
Read next: £9m council contract for carriageway resurfacing – Build in Digital
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
