Why is new nuclear in the UK an exciting prospect?
 

A major expansion programme is currently underway. The UK government has plans to significantly grow nuclear capacity, aiming to quadruple it by 2050 (up to 24 GW) according to the Civil Nuclear Roadmap. This is described as the biggest expansion in 70 years and includes both traditional reactors and new technologies. This expansion will mean 25% of our electricity demand could come from nuclear.
 

A big part of the excitement is SMRs, smaller, factory-built reactors that can be deployed more quickly and at lower upfront cost than traditional large plants.
 

The UK's first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) plant will be built at Wylfa, Anglesey, in North Wales, a decision announced by the UK government in November 2025. This presents a massive opportunity for the supply chain with some companies in the North East already engaged with RR -SMR. However, plans for SMRs and AMRs in Teesside are equally exciting.
 

Nuclear developer X-Energy and Centrica have entered a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to bring X-Energy’s Xe-100 Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) to the UK — with Hartlepool on Teesside identified as the preferred first location for deployment. They are hoping to commence more broad engagement with the supply chain in 2026.
 

Meanwhile Community Nuclear Power Ltd (CNP) is leading plans to build a nuclear power plant not far from Hartlepool comprising four Westinghouse AP300 SMRs. This would be a hub to provide power and heat to local industry and could be the first privately financed nuclear power station in the UK.
 

Hartlepool in Teesside already has strong nuclear infrastructure through its existing nuclear plant (EDF Energy). This plant will continue operation until March 2028, when decommissioning starts this alone will create many supply chain opportunities for decades to come, but with X Energy’s plans to build AMRs on this existing nuclear licensed site and CNP’s plans for SMRs in North Tees, means the nuclear momentum can continue bringing jobs and long term careers, supply chain opportunities and significant community benefit.