Nuclear market in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK) is one of Europe’s most active nuclear markets, with a strong focus on:

large-scale new nuclear projects
small modular reactors (SMRs)
fusion energy

Government policy positions nuclear energy as a key component of both energy security and net-zero objectives. This approach is supported through funding programs, regulatory reform, and a well-defined project pipeline.

In addition to new build projects, the sector continues to generate demand across the nuclear lifecycle, including:

operations
maintenance
decommissioning

For Canadian companies, the UK market offers opportunities to integrate into established supply chains and provide specialized technologies and services.

Industry highlights

Around 15% of the UK’s electricity generation comes from nuclear

Up to 24 GW of nuclear capacity planned by 2050

Around 60,000 jobs supported across by the nuclear sector across the UK £20 to

30 billion committed to Sizewell C, with additional multi-billion-pound SMR program underway

More than £100 billion in long-term nuclear decommissioning costs projected, making it one of the world’s largest markets for nuclear decommissioning

Key opportunities for Canadian nuclear companies in the UK

Engineering, design, and technical services for new build projects (for example, Sizewell C and SMRs)
Supply of nuclear-grade components, materials, and specialized equipment
Fuel cycle expertise (uranium supply, fuel processing, waste management)
Lifecycle services including maintenance, refurbishment, and life extension
Fusion and advanced nuclear technologies (for example, tritium handling, materials, and systems integration)

Notable challenges for Canadian nuclear companies in the UK

High barriers to entry due to stringent nuclear standards, qualification, and regulatory approval
Long procurement and project timelines, particularly for new build programs
Dominance of established Tier 1 contractors and global nuclear vendors
Requirement for strong local partnerships and UK-based delivery capability

UK business landscape

The UK nuclear sector is undergoing significant expansion, anchored by major projects and a government-backed SMR program led by Great British Nuclear. The supply chain is structured around large prime contractors and reactor vendors, with extensive subcontracting opportunities for specialized suppliers. The UK also maintains one of the world’s largest nuclear decommissioning programs, providing steady demand for services and technologies.

Government support for the nuclear sector in the United Kingdom (UK) remains strong, with nuclear energy positioned as essential to achieving both net-zero emissions and energy security objectives.

Regulatory bodies such as the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) maintain rigorous standards. At the same time, the UK government is pursuing reforms aimed at streamlining approvals and accelerating project deployment.

The UK is also making significant investments in fusion energy through the STEP programme, creating early-stage opportunities for innovative technologies and international collaboration.

Summary

The UK is an attractive market for Canadian nuclear companies offering specialized technologies, services, and supply chain capabilities. The UK has a strong pipeline of projects across new nuclear development, decommissioning, and advanced nuclear technologies. The market is well suited for companies that can meet rigorous standards and integrate into established project ecosystems.

Contact us

For more information on nuclear in the UK market, contact ldntd@international.gc.ca.

Language selection

Search