How UK Nuclear Reforms are Boosting SMR Supply Chains
The UK is making a decisive move to expand nuclear energy by streamlining approval processes for small modular reactors (SMRs).
These advanced nuclear fission reactors, which generate up to 300MWe per unit, are designed to be compact, scalable and safer than traditional large-scale nuclear plants.
As projects, policies and investments in the nuclear sector continue to grow, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that interest in SMRs is increasing.
Calling SMRs a “gamechanger for nuclear energy,” the IEA highlights the regulatory and financial challenges that need to be addressed to unlock their full potential. Now, the UK government is taking steps to remove barriers by reforming planning laws and allowing more nuclear projects to proceed.
The reforms will end restrictions limiting nuclear development to just eight designated sites, opening up new locations for reactor construction.
In parallel, a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce is being set up to modernise regulations, making it easier for companies to establish nuclear operations.
The move is expected to accelerate SMR deployment and strengthen the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF in the UK, welcomes the government’s decision, stating: “Nuclear is essential to a secure, low carbon energy system and is the ideal partner to renewables.”
He emphasises the need for “reforms to planning and regulation, alongside continuing to build on the critical work at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C to further develop skills and supply chains.”
Strengthening the supply chain and energy security
The government’s goal is to align UK nuclear regulations with international standards while also making it easier for new reactor designs to be approved.
By integrating SMRs into the planning framework, the UK hopes to co-locate these reactors with energy-intensive industries, providing a stable and clean energy supply for sectors like manufacturing, healthcare and AI data centres.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says: “This country hasn’t built a nuclear power station in decades. We've been let down and left behind. Our energy security has been hostage to Putin for too long, with British prices skyrocketing at his whims.”
He adds that his government is “changing the rules to back the builders of this nation and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long.”
The reforms are expected to benefit not just the energy sector but the wider economy. With more sites available for SMRs, suppliers in the nuclear construction and engineering sectors will have expanded opportunities.
The regulatory changes will also reduce project delays, helping investors and industry stakeholders move forward with greater confidence.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband reinforces this, saying: “Build, build, build — that is what Britain’s clean energy mission is all about.”
He stresses that nuclear power will play a key role in creating thousands of skilled jobs while increasing energy security.
Industry backs nuclear expansion
The government’s reforms have received strong backing from the nuclear industry, with leaders highlighting the positive impact on the supply chain, investment climate and long-term energy stability.
Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Nuclear, describes nuclear as “a powerful tool for growing the UK’s economy.”
He sees significant potential in expanding the number of sites available for nuclear plants and emphasises opportunities for integrating nuclear with data centres and industrial processes.
Meanwhile, Tom Greatrex, CEO of the Nuclear Industry Association, calls the reforms “the Prime Minister’s strongest signal yet that new nuclear is critical to the growth and clean power mission.”
He says a streamlined planning system will provide much-needed certainty for investors and the supply chain, allowing nuclear projects to move forward at pace.
Cathal O’Rourke, Group CEO of Laing O’Rourke, highlights the importance of regulatory clarity and standardised reactor designs.
“Having played a central role in delivering nuclear capacity at Hinkley Point C, we understand the complexities of these projects firsthand,” he says.
He believes the reforms will help ensure future projects, like Sizewell C, can be delivered more efficiently and cost-effectively.
With the government’s backing and industry support, the UK’s nuclear sector is poised for growth.
The combination of planning reforms, regulatory streamlining and expanded site availability is expected to unlock investment, create jobs and strengthen the nuclear supply chain.
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