Advanced Nuclear Framework

Michael Shanks Excerpts

Wednesday 4th February 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)]

Today we are publishing the “Advanced Nuclear Framework” for private projects, which reinforces the golden age of nuclear. The framework sets out our approach to enabling privately led advanced nuclear projects, including small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors.

Recent global events have highlighted the importance of energy security and the need for a resilient, clean energy system. Nuclear energy has a vital role in delivering stable, affordable, and clean baseload power. The UK is already progressing major projects such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, alongside Rolls Royce being confirmed as the preferred bidder following the Great British Nuclear small modular reactor technology selection process. We are now entering a new phase in the golden age of nuclear, one that harnesses private sector innovation to deliver advanced nuclear projects.

The framework explains how Government will create the enabling policy landscape for the private sector to initiate and deliver advanced nuclear projects. It is focused on supporting the development, commercialisation, and deployment of advanced civil nuclear private projects within the UK’s energy sector.

This policy direction is reinforced by the Government’s response to the nuclear regulatory taskforce, ensuring that regulatory reform keeps pace with the ambition of the framework. The Government accept the principle of all 47 of the taskforce’s recommendations. A full implementation plan will be published within three months, with reforms completed within two years, subject to legislation. Departments, regulators and industry should act now to support faster, lower-cost delivery of new nuclear and strengthen energy security.

The taskforce set out that these reforms could have a fundamental impact on the sector. They are intended to drive forward new nuclear in a safe, affordable way, save tens of billions from the cost of decommissioning legacy nuclear activities, and lower energy costs for consumers, industry, and public services.

This bold action will make nuclear energy more affordable, quicker to deploy, and will uphold high safety standards while boosting sector growth and investment. The strengthened regulatory framework will build a more agile, innovative, and collaborative environment, positioning the UK as a global leader.

The framework sets out a pathway for private sector participation in the delivery of advanced nuclear projects, specifically small modular reactors, advanced modular reactors and micro-reactors. It defines the principles, processes, and support mechanisms.

Key elements of the framework include:

The UK advanced nuclear pipeline and a project readiness assessment process to endorse viable projects and unlock private investment.



A suite of enabling measures across finance, planning, regulation, fuel supply, and skills including potential support through the National Wealth Fund, planning reforms, and targeted protections for high-impact, low-probability risks.

Projects that meet the relevant criteria will progress through the assessment process and join the pipeline, receiving early Government endorsement to boost investor confidence and helping developers unlock private capital.

The publication of this framework marks a significant step in delivering a secure, low-carbon energy future and supporting innovation and investment in this critical sector.

Alongside the “Advanced Nuclear Framework”, this Government have also published the “Statement on civil nuclear fuel use”. This statement outlines the Government’s expectation around fuel use in the UK, making sure we enable the highest standards of nuclear security, support industry planning, prevent delays, and foster a secure, sustainable nuclear sector that helps operators align with a consistent nuclear fuel policy environment.

[HCWS1302]