Industry leaders unions and researchers have welcomed the government’s plans to overhaul nuclear regulation but warned that delivery must now move quickly from policy to construction.
The reforms aim to speed up nuclear projects and cut regulatory delays as ministers push what they describe as a “golden age” of nuclear to strengthen energy security.
Trade union Unite said the announcement signals progress but stressed the focus must now turn to building projects and creating jobs.
Unite national officer for energy Simon Coop said: “Today’s announcement from the government on civil nuclear plans is a step in the right direction.”
He added: “They now need to get spades in the ground as quickly as possible to boost British industry and ensure energy security.”
Industry groups also backed the proposed regulatory changes arguing they could help reduce delays that have historically slowed large nuclear projects.
Bob Anstey sector director for defence and nuclear energy at Costain said accelerating nuclear deployment will be vital for the UK’s future electricity supply.
He said the recommendations would “help to streamline the regulatory burden for megaprojects like Sizewell C and the UK’s SMR Programme” while supporting thousands of skilled jobs.
The Nuclear Industry Association said the reforms could play a crucial role in cutting project timelines and rebuilding the UK’s nuclear capacity.
Chief executive Tom Greatrex said: “This ambitious programme of nuclear regulatory reform is the most important thing we can do to cut deployment times and costs and rebuild the backbone of our energy security.”
Developers say regulatory certainty will also be key to delivering the government’s planned fleet of small modular reactors.
Simon Roddy chief executive of Great British Energy – Nuclear said: “A more streamlined and predictable regulatory system is essential to delivering new nuclear at pace.”
Research leaders also highlighted the need to develop the next generation of nuclear engineers and scientists.
Professor Charlotte Deane executive chair at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council said: “The UK’s nuclear sector is central to our national security clean energy ambitions and economic future.”
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