Ronan Tanguy
Programme Lead – Safety & Licensing, World Nuclear Association
Nuclear energy is regaining prominence as governments seek reliable, low-emission electricity.
Nuclear energy is back on the global agenda as governments seek reliable, low-emission electricity.
Global momentum
Delivering steady power, independent of weather and volatile fuel markets, makes nuclear vital for long-term energy security. More than 30 governments have endorsed the goal of tripling nuclear capacity by 2050.1 The emerging trend is clear: regulatory readiness will determine which countries convert ambition into delivery.
From ambition to action
Worldwide, efforts are shifting from setting ambitions to creating the conditions needed for timely deployment. Analysis in the World Nuclear Outlook shows that the primary barriers to scaling nuclear aren’t technological, but organisational and regulatory. These challenges reveal a structural pattern common across advanced nuclear programmes: complex approval pathways, limited regulatory capacity and inconsistent interpretation of safety requirements. Overcoming these hurdles will require a change in mindset towards proportionate, risk-informed decision-making that supports safe and predictable delivery.
Strategic alignment across planning, environmental assessment and grid connection processes would further improve certainty for investors.
The UK’s recent review, led by John Fingleton, sets out a structured route to accelerated deployment. It shows how the application of regulation — not the regulation itself — can create avoidable cost and delay. The principle of ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ has been over-interpreted toward excessive conservatism, prioritising minimisation over balanced, proportionate risk assessment. Restoring proportionality would help projects progress more efficiently while maintaining high standards of protection.
Strategic alignment across planning, environmental assessment and grid connection processes would further improve certainty for investors. A more coordinated system would extend beyond nuclear, supporting major infrastructure project delivery across the UK. Predictable, timely decision-making is essential for restoring confidence in delivery and boosting investor confidence.
Building leadership
The UK is well‑placed to demonstrate how modern regulatory practice can enable rapid, safe deployment. Implementing the review’s recommendations, alongside clear political commitment, would show that large projects can be delivered at pace while upholding rigorous oversight. Demonstrable domestic success would strengthen the UK’s international position and open opportunities for collaboration and export of expertise. As global momentum builds, countries able to align regulatory culture with credible delivery will shape the next phase of nuclear expansion.
