The government has published the Advanced Nuclear Framework on 4 February 2026, setting a formal route to market for advanced, small and micro modular reactor projects. It creates a pipeline to recognise credible schemes with in‑principle government endorsement, aimed at accelerating deployment and supporting energy‑intensive growth sectors including data centres. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero positions the move as part of a wider push for clean, domestic power. (gov.uk)
From March 2026, developers can submit proposals to join the pipeline. Applications will be assessed by officials in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Great British Energy‑Nuclear against criteria covering technology status, developer capability and financing plans. Successful projects are expected to be primarily privately financed, even where they receive in‑principle recognition. (gov.uk)
Support options outlined include revenue support once plants are operational and risk protections for extremely rare events, subject to value‑for‑money tests for taxpayers and bill payers. In parallel, the National Wealth Fund may invest where its mandate is met, with the objective of reducing risk and crowding in additional private capital. None of these measures replace normal approvals or commercial due diligence. (gov.uk)
A new concierge‑style service will guide developers through planning, regulation and fuel requirements, intended to shorten development timelines and make investment cases clearer. The offer is designed to help projects address consenting, siting and supply considerations before major financial commitments are made. (gov.uk)
The framework treats advanced nuclear as factory‑manufactured AMRs, SMRs and micro reactors. Designs can be configured to supply the grid or deliver power directly to industrial offtakers, and some operate at higher temperatures to provide process heat for factories or data centres alongside electricity. (gov.uk)
Commercial activity highlighted by ministers includes X‑energy and Centrica’s plan for up to 12 AMRs at Hartlepool, with an estimated 2,500 jobs, Holtec, EDF and Tritax exploring SMRs at the former Cottam coal site in Nottinghamshire to supply on‑site data centres, and TerraPower with KBR assessing deployment of its Natrium technology in the UK. These proposals remain subject to licensing, siting and financing decisions. (gov.uk)
To widen siting options, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is releasing surplus land for clean‑energy projects at Chapelcross in Scotland, Pioneer Park in Cumbria and Trawsfynydd in Wales. The reuse of nuclear‑experienced locations is intended to help early projects reach construction readiness more quickly. (gov.uk)
Alongside the framework, the government has issued a Statement on Civil Nuclear Fuel Use setting requirements for uranium‑based fuels in UK civil reactors. The statement aligns fuel choices with energy security, environmental protection and long‑term spent‑fuel and waste management, giving developers and suppliers clearer parameters for fuel procurement and licensing plans. (gov.uk)
Officials present the measures as part of a broader nuclear expansion, following the Sizewell C decision in Suffolk and selection of Wylfa in North Wales for the UK’s first SMRs. Industry responses published by government describe the framework as providing clearer pathways from ambition to delivery and a stronger basis for investment commitments. (gov.uk)
Immediate milestones are the opening of submissions in March and the sector’s target for initial AMR operations in the mid‑2030s. Developers will need to evidence design maturity, robust financing and alignment with the new fuel statement and available sites before reaching a final investment decision. (gov.uk)