The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has welcomed the publication of the government’s Advanced Nuclear Framework and is urging vendors to take advantage of early regulatory guidance to accelerate the safe deployment of new nuclear technologies.
The Advanced Nuclear Framework sets out the UK government's ambitions, policies and support for privately-led advanced nuclear technologies.
ONR has positioned itself to support this vision through its Early Engagement framework, which provides developers with tailored regulatory advice before they enter formal approval processes.
Supporting innovation through early dialogue
Early Engagement is a voluntary process during which ONR, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales provide vendors and developers with a platform to discuss key project risks and receive regulatory guidance.
The approach is designed to support innovation, reduce uncertainty and help project teams identify the most suitable regulatory pathways for their specific circumstances.
The framework offers three tiers of engagement, and since the framework's launch in 2024, ONR has engaged with five parties across these tiers, with four applying for or declaring their intent to progress to Generic Design Assessment and site-specific design assessment and licencing.
Building confidence from the outset
Dr Diego Lisbona, Head of Regulation for Advanced Nuclear Technologies and Early Engagement at ONR, said: "Early engagement is about enabling new nuclear projects whilst upholding standards in safety, security and safeguards.
“By providing tailored regulatory advice upfront, we help vendors and developers make informed choices on design development, regulatory pathways, project programme and international collaboration.
"This is not just about future planning, it's about all parties building confidence and efficiency from the outset.
“The publication of the Advanced Nuclear Framework is a pivotal moment. It signals the UK government's intent for a portfolio of projects with government endorsement within the Advanced Nuclear Pipeline.
“Early Engagement with the regulators provides a low-resource, high-impact mechanism for vendors and developers to embark on such projects with tailored regulatory advice upfront."
The Early Engagement process delivers benefits for both applicants and regulators. Vendors gain an understanding of key regulatory expectations and can de-risk later project stages, whilst also exploring how documentation prepared for overseas projects can be leveraged in the UK.
Regulators gain insights into proposed technologies and can assess applicants' readiness to progress to formal regulatory processes.
ONR is committed to refining its guidance based on lessons learned from early engagement projects, maintaining consistency and proportionality across reactor and fuel cycle projects in alignment with government policy and sector needs. Further information on ONR's Early Engagement framework is available to view.