On Tuesday 15 July, the APPG on Nuclear Energy welcomed industry representatives from across the civil nuclear sector to discuss the current and future role of nuclear energy in powering AI infrastructure.

The session highlighted the growing demand from major technology companies for clean, reliable, and constant power to support data centres essential for AI development. With significant investments and agreements being made globally, nuclear energy has emerged as a key solution, offering consistent 24/7 baseload power.

Throughout the discussion, it was noted that these companies need access to power now, which presents a challenge given the longer lead times required to build nuclear reactors. Additionally, while data centres are typically located near tech hubs, nuclear technologies often need to be sited in specific locations due to regulatory and environmental considerations, adding further complexity that both the tech and nuclear sectors will need to address.

The group also discussed the significant progress being made in the United States and how the UK could adopt a similar approach to support both AI infrastructure and the wider civil nuclear sector.

The APPG would like to thank all the industry representatives who contributed to this important discussion.

On Tuesday 3 June, the APPG held a meeting on gigawatt-scale reactors, a central theme in the APPG’s current programme of work examining key areas of the UK’s civil nuclear sector. The insights gathered will inform a set of policy recommendations to be published later this year.

With a final investment decision on Sizewell C, the second gigawatt-scale nuclear project planned for construction in the UK this century, expected imminently, the discussion came at a critical time. Industry representatives from across the sector, including construction, trade unions, operators, technology developers, and international partners from countries with a strong nuclear track record, were questioned by parliamentarians on a broad range of issues.

A consistent theme throughout the session was the need for a coherent national energy policy, one that clearly defines nuclear's role alongside renewables in delivering reliable baseload power and supporting long-term decarbonisation. It was widely recognised that gigawatt-scale reactors offer overwhelmingly positive opportunities, especially for regions most in need of economic regeneration, through the creation of highly skilled, well-paid jobs and investment in local infrastructure.

However, participants also emphasised that robust steps must be taken to ensure large-scale nuclear construction is both cost-effective and delivered on time. Collaborative working between government, industry, and local communities, particularly on siting decisions, was highlighted as essential to maintaining momentum and public support.

One conclusion was clear: Sizewell C must not be the last large nuclear project this government commits to. With nuclear communities in Wales, Scotland, and England ready to play their part, the UK is well positioned to embrace the nuclear renaissance needed to meet energy security and net zero targets whilst generating economic growth. 

The APPG thanks all the industry representatives who contributed to this timely discussion.

On Tuesday, 29 April, we held a meeting focused on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as part of the APPG’s ongoing series examining different aspects of the UK’s nuclear sector to support the publication of APPG recommendations later this year. The meeting was particularly timely given the conclusion of Great British Nuclear’s (GBN) SMR Competition expected this spring.

The session was attended by a range of stakeholders, including companies involved in the SMR supply chain, international developers with UK plans, and vendors participating in the competition. Discussions centred on GBN’s role in facilitating the development and deployment of SMRs, and the organisation’s responsibilities following the outcome of the competition.

Regulation, siting, and financing emerged as key themes throughout the meeting. MPs and peers, many representing current nuclear sites, asked for candid views on the UK’s siting policies and recent planning reforms, and whether these are sufficiently supporting SMR deployment.

The overriding message from industry was the urgent need for clarity. Businesses across the supply chain emphasised that a decision on the SMR Competition is essential to companies are ready to deliver this next phase of nuclear development.

Thank you to all the industry representatives who joined us for this important discussion.

On the 24 March, the Nuclear Energy APPG held an EGM in Portcullis House. The EGM was held to elect a new Labour Co-Chair for the Group, following Josh Macalister's appointment as a Parliamentary Private Secretary. 

Members elected Charlotte Nichols, MP for Warrington North, as Labour Co-Chair. APPG officers are now: 

• Charlotte Nichols MP as Labour Co-Chair & Registered Contact 

• David Mundell MP as Conservative Co-Chair

• Lord Ravensdale as Vice-Chair 

• Liz Saville Roberts as Secretary

On Tuesday, 25 February, the APPG invited industry representatives to its session “Financing Nuclear”. The session focused on the funding of new nuclear projects in the UK, and was part of the APPG’s ongoing series examining different aspects of the UK’s nuclear sector to support the publication of an APPG report later this year.

The APPG welcomed industry representatives from EDF, Sizewell C, Rolls-Royce SMR, GE Hitachi, Lloyds Banking Group, and the Royal Bank of Canada. With input from nuclear developers, operators, and financial institutions, APPG members gained a comprehensive understanding of the various financial models supporting new nuclear development. Discussions also drew on experiences from European and North American nuclear projects, highlighting the financial mechanisms that played a key role in their success.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model and its role in supporting both Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and large gigawatt-scale reactors. In light of the Prime Minister’s recent announcement on accelerating new nuclear development, there was a strong emphasis on the critical role of financing in accelerating these projects.

At a time when the government is taking strong steps to accelerate nuclear growth in the UK, discussions centering on the most effective ways to finance nuclear projects across a range of technologies, from large gigawatt reactors to advanced nuclear technologies, are absolutely vital. 

The APPG were delighted to host the Welcome Reception for the Nuclear Industry Association’s annual Nuclear Week in Parliament on Monday 27 January. 

Held in the Churchill Room, House of Commons, our Reception was one of over 20 events held across Westminster, engaging key figures from government, Parliament, industry and the civil service on the future of the civil nuclear sector.

Josh MacAlister MP, Co-Chair, delivered an insightful speech on the importance of the civil nuclear sector to the UK and the urgent need to support its growth. Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, the minister overseeing the nuclear sector, also gave an engaging address outlining the government’s plans, particularly in light of the upcoming Final Investment Decision for Sizewell C and the results of the Small Modular Reactor Competition. He also set out the government’s broader vision, including the promotion of various nuclear technologies such as Advanced Modular Reactors.

With so many influential voices in the room, the reception,  set the stage for an incredibly insightful week for APPG members, at the start of what promises to be a pivotal year for the civil nuclear sector. 

On Tuesday, 7 January, the APPG held its first meeting of 2025, inviting industry representatives from across the supply chain to discuss the deployment and development of Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) in the UK.

Representatives from organisations including newcleo, Cavendish Nuclear, TUV SUD, X-Energy, Urenco, the Dalton Institute, Northcourt, and MoltexFlex provided parliamentarians with in-depth insights into the feasibility of deploying AMRs in the UK. They highlighted steps the government should take to support the broader development of new nuclear technologies in the country. Emphasis was placed on regulatory and financial considerations, especially given the unique industrial processes AMRs can support, such as clean hydrogen production and powering data centres.

AMR companies also urged the government to provide assurance that AMRs will form a key part of the UK’s nuclear technology mix and wider net zero strategy. With the 2050 net zero emissions target rapidly approaching, such commitments are becoming increasingly urgent.

On Thursday 28 November, the APPG held its second session on the Industrial Strategy, and was delighted to welcome Minister Sarah Jones and Department for Business and Trade Officials to participate. 

Industry representatives from Rolls Royce SMR, Sheffield Forgemasters, Urenco, Amentum, Cavendish Nuclear, Laing O'Rouke and Sizewell C returned to discuss with the Minister how nuclear energy can play a critical role in achieving the Industrial Strategy's mission, and what the Strategy can do to ensure Britain is able to deliver the nuclear we need to create long term stable economic growth. 

The Group focused on the following three areas where support from the Industrial Strategy could ensure nuclear development: 

1. Civil Nuclear Construction catapult 

2. Market Signalling 

3. Nuclear Fuel 

It was fantastic to hear firsthand from the Minister how the Industrial Strategy will influence the government's wider and long term aims, and discuss how the nuclear industry can support socio-economic development across the UK. 

On Tuesday 12 November, the APPG invited selected representatives from the nuclear energy industry to discuss the barriers to supply chain development, and how the government's Industrial Strategy could support new nuclear development in the UK. 

We were delighted to be joined by representatives from Westinghouse, Amentum, Rolls Royce SMR, Sheffield Forgemasters, Laing Orouke, Urenco, Cavendish Nuclear and Balfour Beatty. 

Following the AGM in September, the re-established APPG met on Tuesday 15 October to decide on its scope of work and how to proceed over the following year. The Group agreed on the following: 

• Meetings taking place on a 6-weekly basis, preferably on a Tuesday afternoon

• At least 2 APPG visits per year, to be organised by the Group Secretariat in the coming months

• Timetable and focus of each APPG session for the Group's "plan for industry" (see more under current progress)

On the 3 September, the Nuclear Energy APPG held its annual AGM in Portcullis House. The first meeting since the 2024 General Election, there was record attendance, with 39 Parliamentarians from across the House. During the meeting, the APPG voted on the four officer roles, electing: 

• Josh MacAlister MP as Chair

• David Mundell MP as Co-Chair

• Lord Ravensdale as Vice-Chair 

• Liz Saville Roberts as Secretary

Ahead of Nuclear Week in Parliament, the Nuclear Energy APPG held a meeting on the 5th of September 2023. Our meeting focussed on industry updates from the Nuclear Industry Association and Urenco, an update on the soon-to-be-published APPG Report 'Made In Britain: The Pathway to a Nuclear Renaissance', the forthcoming Nuclear Week and invitations to visit Capenhurst, Finland and COP28.

On the 23rd of May, the Nuclear Energy APPG held its annual AGM in Portcullis House. It was a well-attended event, with Parliamentarians from across the house in attendance. During the meeting, the APPG voted on its new vice-chairs while admitting two new members to the group.

Members then heard industry updates from representatives of the Nuclear Industry Association, EDF, Rolls-Royce SMR, Urenco and NewCleo. Please find the minutes of the meeting to the side of this update.

Ahead of Nuclear Week in Parliament, the Nuclear Energy APPG held a meeting on the 18th of January 2023. Our meeting focussed on the success of the Nuclear Energy APPG paper on Russian nuclear fuel, a political update concerning the nuclear industry ahead of NWiP, with members of the APPG agreeing to write to Prime Minister and Chancellor on the Green Taxonomy and Great British Nuclear.