Nuclear licensing and regulation

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Introduction

This is an overview of the key content to be found in our subtopic Nuclear licensing and regulation. It briefly explains the nature of this content and provides links to it.

For more information on other aspects of nuclear energy, see our subtopics:

  1. •

    International Nuclear Agreements

  2. •

    Nuclear decommissioning

  3. •

    Nuclear liability

  4. •

    New nuclear

  5. •

    Nuclear projects

Nuclear energy licensing and regulation

Responsibilities for regulation of the UK civil nuclear industry are shared between several regulatory bodies, reflecting the distinction between the common duties owed by any generator of electricity and the additional duties arising from the unique attributes of nuclear energy generation. Nuclear-specific regulation has been significantly consolidated by the creation of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, replacing several bodies which had previously been responsible for regulating various different aspects of the nuclear industry. In addition, there are other government bodies which, while lacking general regulatory or supervisory powers, exercise specific facilitating and decision making functions and thereby have a significant role in the UK civil nuclear industry.

For more information, see the following:

  1. •

    Practice Note: The National Security and Investment

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Latest Energy News

OEUK reports decommissioning costs exceed £2bn amid Energy Profit Levy impacts

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) reports that 2024 decommissioning expenditure in the UK Continental Shelf exceeded £2bn for the first time, representing 15% of total oil and gas expenditure. The organisation's 2025 Decommissioning Report indicates the Energy Profit Levy has accelerated cessation of production decisions, with decommissioning costs potentially surpassing capital expenditure by 2028. The report projects decommissioning's share of sector expenditure may exceed 30% by decade-end, with nearly 2,000 wells scheduled for decommissioning by 2034.

ONR to consult on new nuclear regulatory strategy following Taskforce report

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has welcomed the findings of the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce and confirmed that it will consult on a new strategy i December 2025. The Taskforce review examined how the UK’s regulatory framework could be strengthened to support government priorities such as energy security, growth, net zero, defence, and the clean-up of legacy facilities. ONR Chief Executive and Chief Nuclear Inspector Mike Finnerty stated that the Taskforce’s work has helped shape ONR’s forthcoming draft strategy, which aims to modernise and streamline nuclear regulation while maintaining rigorous safety and security standards.

Ofgem consults on heat networks data reporting guidance

Ofgem has launched a consultation on draft guidance for mandatory data reporting requirements under heat networks regulation. The consultation builds on Ofgem's previous authorisation and regulatory oversight consultation from November 2024. The guidance aims to establish specific data points that heat network suppliers and operators must report to Ofgem, including reporting segments, periods and submission timings for regulatory monitoring purposes. The consultation ends on 12 January 2026.

Ofgem announces 0.2% energy price cap increase for Q1 2026

Ofgem has announced a 0.2% increase in the energy price cap for Q1 2026, covering the period from 1 January to 31 March 2026, setting the new cap at £1,758 annually for an average household paying by Direct Debit for gas and electricity.

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