UK’s Advanced Nuclear Framework to speed up nuclear energy deployment pipeline

The UK government has published its Advanced Nuclear Framework in a bid to get pioneering nuclear energy technology off the ground. 

The framework aims to speed up the deployment of advanced nuclear by launching a ‘pipeline’ of credible projects that meet essential readiness criteria. Additionally, a ‘concierge-style’ service will help developers understand requirements around UK planning, regulation and fuel, as well as enabling them to crowd-in private investment. 

Developers can use the framework to submit proposals to join the pipeline from March this year, which will then be assessed by experts in government and Great British Energy-Nuclear against key criteria such as technology status, developer capability, and financing plans.  

Successful applicants would receive government endorsement, although they would be expected to be privately financed. 

Additionally, projects can approach the National Wealth Fund, which can act as a catalytic investor for projects that meet their investment criteria, and help derisk further private investment.  

At a high level, says the Framework, eligibility includes: 

• Projects must support land based, non mobile, fission technologies that are either SMRs, AMRs or MMRs fuelled by Uranium-235 enriched up to 20%.
• Projects must be seeking deployment on mainland sites in England or Wales
• Projects must be seeking to commence construction within 10 years of joining the pipeline.
• The project proposer must be a registered company.

Commenting in a release was UK Minister for Nuclear Patrick Vallance: “Advanced nuclear technology could revolutionise how we power industry and propel the AI data centre boom – delivering more clean energy and jobs.

“We are seizing the opportunity to become a frontrunner in this space as part of our golden age of nuclear, creating the conditions for the industry to flourish.”

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Nuclear as a strategic priority

Britain has been doubling down on nuclear energy, last year announcing £14.2 billion for the Sizewell C nuclear plant and major commercial deals between UK and US companies. 

This includes plans for X-Energy and Centrica to build 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, as well as plans for Holtec, EDF, and Tritax to build small modular reactors at the former coal-fired power station Cottam in Nottinghamshire. Meanwhile, TerraPower is working with engineering firm KBR to explore the potential deployment of its Natrium advanced reactor technology in the UK and beyond. 

Additionally, in June last year, Rolls-Royce SMR was selected by Great British Energy – Nuclear to design and build SMRs in the UK, which the government says are smaller and quicker to build than traditional nuclear plants. Months prior, Siemens Energy and Rolls-Royce SMR entered a partnership agreement expected to lead to the exclusive supply of conventional technology for future Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the country. 

On the Advanced Nuclear Framework, said the UK’s Lord Livermore, Financial Secretary to the Treasury:

“The plans we have published today will provide investors with the long-term confidence they need to back advanced nuclear technologies here in Britain.”

Neil Cooper, Chief Financial Officer at Great British Energy-Nuclear, said: 

“Today’s announcement is hugely positive for the nuclear industry in the UK and signals the start of a disciplined and transparent partnership between government and the private sector, built on evidence, not optimism. GBE N is ready to play its full part with objectivity and consistency, at pace.”

Jane Bowie, SMR Development Director at EDF: “In the week we recognise the 50th anniversary of when the UK’s first two AGR power stations started operations, EDF welcomes the government’s advanced nuclear framework which will help develop a new generation of nuclear power projects.”