The UK Government has published a first-of-its-kind framework intended to stimulate private investment in innovative nuclear technologies.
The UK Advanced Nuclear Pipeline is a new government-managed process through which projects submit detailed plans across five core areas: technology and supply chain; developer capability; finance/funding/investment; siting; and operator/end user arrangements. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) will then conduct eligibility checks and a structured Project Readiness Assessment (PRA). Projects assessed at or above the threshold may be invited to join the Pipeline. Any offer of support will be on a case-by-case basis, subject to approvals, including affordability and value for money. The scope of the framework is tightly focused on enabling advanced nuclear projects. Large-scale nuclear technologies are not included.
In parallel, all companies can approach the National Wealth Fund (NWF), who bring £27.8bn ($38bn) of capital, a dedicated nuclear team, and a full suite of debt, equity and hybrid instruments, to explore investment opportunities. The NWF can act as a catalytic investor alongside private capital.
Part One introduces the UK Advanced Nuclear Pipeline and the Project Readiness Assessment process, enabling projects with strong plans to access early engagement and potential future support. Part Two outlines the UK’s enabling conditions, from regulation and planning to skills, supply chain, and fuel, ensuring that private projects have the foundations to succeed.
Part Two of the ANP sets out wider enablers that the government is putting in place to support nuclear deployment, reforming the planning system, grid connection process, and regulatory process, to ease and accelerate deployment of new plants. Planning reform via the National Policy Statement for Nuclear Energy Generation provides a flexible, criteria-based approach to siting, brings SMRs and AMRs within the development consent framework, and supports co location with energy intensive industry.
“Now, we are taking the next steps to power Britain’s future by being among the first to champion the deployment of cutting edge advanced nuclear projects driven by the private sector,” said Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research & Nuclear in the Foreword to the Framework.
“This is a holistic and enabling framework for the private sector, covering financing, funding, planning, regulation, fuels, skills, sites, and supply chain. This framework is designed to support and accelerate credible, privately led advanced nuclear projects backed by private capital.”
To support delivery of the Framework, a dedicated business-focused team within DESNZ will be established for companies to help them navigate the UK system. This Advanced Nuclear Business Engagement Unit will act as facilitators for projects, helping them progress, and supporting wide-ranging engagement with government and other key bodies in the UK such as the Office for Nuclear Regulation, National Wealth Fund, and local authorities. Developers can use the Advanced Nuclear Framework to submit proposals to join the pipeline from March this year, which will then be assessed by experts in government and Great British Energy-Nuclear according to key criteria such as technology status, developer capability, and financing plans.”
He added: “Advanced nuclear reactors use novel fuels and coolants to operate at higher temperatures, which can provide excess heat for industrial processes in factories or data centres. Developers are aiming for their first AMRs to be operational in the UK by the mid-2030s. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is releasing surplus land for clean energy projects with opportunities identified at Chapelcross in Scotland, Pioneer Park in Cumbria, and Trawsfynydd in Wales. The government is also publishing a Statement on Civil Nuclear Fuel Use which sets out the requirements for uranium-based fuels used in civil nuclear reactors, providing clarity for the sector. It ensures alignment with national objectives for energy security, environmental protection, and long-term spent fuel and waste management.”
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “This framework provides welcome clarity and momentum for advanced nuclear projects in the UK. A clear process by which projects can get an in-principle government endorsement is vital to unlocking private investment and giving developers the confidence to move from ambition to delivery. That will be essential to powering an industrial revival in Britain, creating good, skilled jobs and delivering clean, reliable power for industry and the wider economy.”
