The UK government has unveiled plans to streamline nuclear regulation after an independent review concluded that an overly complex, process-driven system is slowing industry progress.
The review, led by John Fingleton and conducted by the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce, found that current regulatory frameworks are unnecessarily complicated and risk delaying major projects. All reforms recommended in the review will be implemented by the end of 2027.
The government said the changes will introduce a smarter, more risk-based regulatory approach aimed at reducing costs and timelines for both civil and defence nuclear projects, while maintaining existing safety and environmental protections. Some reforms could also extend to other major infrastructure sectors through planned changes to judicial review processes.
The announcement forms part of the government’s wider energy and industrial strategy, which aims to deliver what it has described as a “golden age” of nuclear power. Recent developments include approval of Sizewell C on the Suffolk coast, expected to support around 17,000 jobs at peak construction, continued progress on Hinkley Point C, and plans to deploy the UK’s first small modular reactors at Wylfa in North Wales.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “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 out country.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves added: “We’re overhauling the system, getting rid of duplicative or overly complex guidance, rules and regulations that have been holding back our nuclear ambitions.”
Alongside the regulatory reforms, the government announced £65.6 million in new funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which will be matched by industry investment. The programme will support more than 500 nuclear PhD students across universities from Bangor to Glasgow and Imperial College London, covering research into reactor technologies, fuels, waste management and defence applications.
The government’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise is targeting 65,000 skilled jobs by 2030 as part of the programme supporting the next generation of Dreadnought-class submarine.
Regulators and industry groups welcomed the reforms. Mike Finnerty of the Office for Nuclear Regulation said: “We embrace this new era with ambition and purpose while maintaining our cornerstone principles of upholding the safety and security of workers and the public.”
Nigel Cann, chief executive of Sizewell C Ltd, described the reforms as “an important catalyst for the cultural shift our sector needs”.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Brumpton-Childs of the GMB Union said nuclear power is “essential to deliver our energy independence and achieve net zero”.
