TO BE PUBLISHED November 2025
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This conference will examine next steps for the UK nuclear industry, in light of new government policy to increase the construction of new nuclear power stations across the country.
Policy and regulation
It will bring together key stakeholders and policymakers to assess the direction of policy and key areas of concern to be addressed in order to provide clean, affordable, secure, and safe nuclear energy, as well as what is needed to meet the 2030 clean power targets, whilst also supporting economic growth. Broader issues relating to nuclear industry policy in the UK will also be explored, including planning and devolved policy.
Delegates will also consider progress and next steps for the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce in encouraging home-grown development on new sites and optimising regulatory processes, with recent changes to planning policy. The relationship between nuclear energy and industrial policy will be examined, including links to the AI Opportunities Action Plan and the Industrial Strategy.
Nuclear in the energy mix
Sessions will examine the role of nuclear energy within the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, including the contribution of nuclear energy to the generation mix going forward, extending the operational lifespan of older plants, and the development of new facilities such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. The opportunity for nuclear to become a low-carbon technology and its role within broader energy strategies will also be assessed, alongside the role of Great British Nuclear in advancing plans for Small Modular Reactors and larger developments on new sites.
Funding
Further discussion will consider financing options for new nuclear plants, looking at potential investment models and their implications. Delegates will discuss the role of Great British Energy and evaluate the merits of the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model compared to the Contracts for Difference model, as well as alternative funding mechanisms, options for attracting private sector investment and the potential to classify nuclear power as eligible for green finance.
Economic contribution, safety and innovation
We expect the agenda to bring out latest thinking on the potential for SMRs to provide power for new AI data centres, as well as UKAEA initiatives to encourage new market entrants via AI Growth Zones. Delegates will also explore opportunities for economic growth through enhancing domestic supply chains and skills in the sector.
Nuclear safety will be discussed, examining regulatory approaches, risk management strategies, and public confidence, including communication around safety measures and cybersecurity risks. There will also be consideration for the future of fusion technology, including the work of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and the recently announced £410m investment in a research cluster at West Burton.
With the agenda currently in the drafting stage, overall areas for discussion include:
- regulation: planning reform and development of new nuclear sites - priorities for the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce - support for accelerated project timelines - remaining regulatory challenges
- sector development: nuclear contribution to the 2030 Clean Power Action Plan - strategies to extend the operational life of existing plants - timeline and impact of new developments
- SMRs: ongoing technology competition - options for streamlining procurement and planning processes - implications for domestic manufacturers - potential for prioritising UK supply chains
- energy security: potential in reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports - diversifying the nuclear fuel supply chain - exploring the role of nuclear as a complement to renewable energy
- financing: examining the RAB model for funding large projects - options for CfD and other potential alternatives - UK Green Taxonomy classification - potential impact on investment
- industrial strategy: regional economic development, infrastructure investment and job creation - synergies with AI Growth Zones - priorities for domestic skills, training, and supply chains
- safety and cybersecurity: recent increases in incidents - risk mitigation strategies - regulatory oversight and improved compliance - public communication - trust in nuclear safety measures
- community engagement: taking account of local concerns including planning opposition - incentives such as community benefits for hosting nuclear infrastructure
- international relationships: collaboration and competitiveness - technology and innovation partnerships - global finance and development examples - UK clean energy transition competitiveness
- fusion: technology development - government support including UKIFS funding - feasibility of delivering prototype fusion plants by 2040 - advancing fusion research and commercialisation
