The recent announcement by Newcleo to wind down its UK operations has sent ripples through the nuclear engineering sector. At Millbank, we’ve followed Newcleo’s journey with great interest, particularly their pioneering work in lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs) and their ambition to reuse spent nuclear fuel - a vision that aligns with the UK’s long-term energy and sustainability goals.

Newcleo’s decision, made 'with a heavy heart,' to shift focus to countries like the US and France, highlights a growing concern within the industry: the UK’s current policy and funding landscape may not be keeping pace with the innovation and urgency required to lead in advanced nuclear technologies.

The company’s original plan to develop up to four LFRs in the UK, representing a £4 billion investment and creating thousands of jobs across construction, operations, and the wider supply chain, was a bold and exciting prospect. Roles such as nuclear engineers, safety analysts, project managers, commissioning specialists, and fuel cycle experts would have been in high demand, roles that Millbank actively recruits for across the nuclear sector.

Newcleo’s broader ambition to build up to 20 reactors generating 4 GW of power, while also addressing the UK’s plutonium stockpile at Sellafield, was not just a technological leap but a strategic one. It offered a sustainable solution to nuclear waste and a pathway to energy independence. Unfortunately, the lack of tangible government support for AMRs, despite significant funding for SMRs, has made the UK a less attractive environment for such innovation.

At Millbank, we understand the critical importance of government backing in enabling private-sector-led nuclear projects. The UK’s £170 million advanced nuclear fund, currently focused on high-temperature gas reactors (HTGRs), is a step in the right direction - but it may not be enough to retain or attract companies like Newcleo that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in nuclear energy.

We remain committed to supporting the nuclear sector through this period of transition. Whether it’s in traditional nuclear, SMRs, or AMRs, Millbank continues to connect top talent with the organisations shaping the future of clean energy. As the UK government prepares to outline its pathway for advanced nuclear deployment, we hope to see a renewed focus on creating an environment where innovation can thrive - and where companies like Newcleo can see a future once again.

Source: www.energyvoice.com "Advanced nuclear reactor start-up Newcleo pulls out of UK with heavy heart"

https://www.energyvoice.com/renewables-energy-transition/nuclear/577451/newcleo-pulls-out-of-uk/