Advanced nuclear framework

The Advanced Nuclear Framework sets out how the government will create an enabling policy environment for private sector investment in advanced civil nuclear projects. It is designed to support the development, commercialisation and deployment of innovative nuclear projects within the UK energy system. 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 Contact us We held introductory events on the Framework and Pipeline, and have published the slides on this page in the Documents section. If you have any questions about the Framework or guidance, or any feedback on the documents, please email our Advanced Nuclear Business Engagement Unit at: advancednuclear@energysecurity.gov.uk . Advanced nuclear framework PDF , 3 MB , 45 pages Advanced nuclear framework (accessible webpage) HTML Fframwaith niwclear uwch PDF , 638 KB , 47 pages Fframwaith niwclear uwch (tudalen we hygyrch) HTML Introduction to the Advanced Nuclear Framework: February 2026 webinar slides PDF , 4.83 MB , 34 pages ADVANCED NUCLEAR FRAMEWORK February 2026 © Crown copyright 2026 This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- Government-licence/version/3 Where we have identified any third‑party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to us at: advancednuclear@energysecurity.gov.uk Contents Ministerial Foreword  2 Executive Summary  4 Introduction  7 Part One UK ADVANCED NUCLEAR PIPELINE  14 Introduction 15 Purpose 16 Membership 16 Eligible Projects 19 Scope and Limitations  19 Financing and Funding Policy  21 Introduction 21 Revenue Support 22 High Impact, Low Probability Protections 22 The National Wealth Fund 23 Part Two PROJECT ENABLERS  24 Introduction 25 UK capabilities  25 UK nuclear sites 30 Planning 32 Regulation 33 Nuclear Fuel  37 Glossary - Advanced Nuclear Framework  40 Ministerial Foreword Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear We came into government with a clear promise: taking back control of Britain’s energy future and putting consumers at the heart of our energy system. For too long, households and businesses have been exposed to the volatility of global fossil fuel markets that we have no control over. The consequences have been stark: soaring bills, uncertainty for families, and pressure on businesses. These challenges have underscored a simple truth: energy security is not a luxury; it is a necessity. And our response has been decisive. We are acting now to deliver a cleaner, more secure, and more affordable energy system for the long term. That means accelerating the transition to homegrown, low‑carbon power that we can rely on, protecting consumers from price shocks, and consolidating Britain’s position as a global leader in clean energy. Nuclear energy is central to this mission. It provides the stable, low‑carbon baseload that keeps the lights on and supports our economy. That is why we have launched a new golden age of nuclear, committing £17 billion to the most ambitious programme of new plants for a generation, and revitalizing our communities as we get Britain building again. From Sizewell C in Suffolk, which will power the equivalent of six million of today’s homes, provide around 10,000 jobs at peak construction and offer 1,500 apprenticeships, to the newly announced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at Wylfa on Anglesey, the most significant industrial investment in North Wales for a generation. Once these projects come online in the 2030s, combined with Hinkley Point C, more new nuclear energy will have been delivered to the grid than over the entire previous half century. Advanced Nuclear Framework 2 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. These technologies offer new opportunities to deploy capacity more quickly, at a lower cost, and with greater flexibility, helping us to meet rising demand whilst cutting emissions. Investing in these technologies supports skilled jobs and reinforces Britain’s energy security, reflecting our pledge for a sustainable and affordable energy future. The Advanced Nuclear Framework (the Framework) sets out how we will support this. It introduces the UK Advanced Nuclear Pipeline (the Pipeline), which provides a route for privately led projects, helping projects unlock private investment and creating an environment that bolsters developers’ confidence t

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