Old dogs, new tricks, and nuclear’s tech test

The New Nuclear Summit in London last week set the stage for a crucial few years in British nuclear energy development. There was a clear consensus that nuclear is once again a national priority, with many of the ‘hyperscalers’ (Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and others) seeing it as the only practical solution to fuel their big plans for even bigger data, which is set to require far more energy than capacity. They’re looking for nuclear, and they’re looking for it now.

However, nuclear’s recent history tells a different tale. Nuclear power's contribution to global electricity generation has experienced a notable decline in recent decades. In the early 2000s, nuclear energy accounted for nearly 17% of the world's electricity production. By 2023, this share had dropped to approximately 9%. A range of factors—public perception, memories of incidents like Chernobyl, cost, and competition from renewables—has contributed to that backtracking. 

With policymakers, energy leaders, investors, and the ‘nuclear technology titans’ in the room, the mood was a combination of optimism, realism, and some frustration at the estimated 10-year rollout timeline for SMRs. All three feelings felt justified, and often seemed to be felt within minutes of each other.

Multiple times we heard the murmuring “you could be forgiven for thinking this was a data centre summit,” and I’d agree, but mainly because the two sectors are becoming increasingly interdependent. As addressed head-on by Simon Harrison, Group Head of Strategy at Mott MacDonald, there is an awkward Sk8er Boi moment (feel free to insert your own star-crossed lover’s analogy, but Avril Lavigne will be mine of choice) between nuclear and AI. Nuclear infrastructure is known for its cautious, considered pace, whereas AI and digital infrastructure has a reputation for moving incredibly fast. Bringing those two worlds together isn’t just a technical challenge, it's a political and cultural one too.

The union of the two is coming to a head. AI development and data centres are expanding so rapidly that their power demands are putting real pressure on energy infrastructure. Suddenly, we’re seeing renewed political interest in nuclear because it’s one of the few viable options for low-carbon, reliable baseload power. After years of fighting to become the attractive option for energy investment, nuclear is firmly back on the table, with both private and public sectors turning toward the development of SMRs.

Considering the renewed momentum, one point that came up repeatedly was the need for greater certainty. Investors, developers, and communities all need a clearer sense of direction if nuclear is going to move from headlines to tangible projects. Policy needs to be joined-up and long-term—and it has to hold firm through changes in government and political mood.

The recent consultation on the draft National Policy Statement for Nuclear (EN-7), which closed on 3 April, is an important step forward. Still, there’s understandable anxiety about where the next generation of projects will actually go. Site selection will be a serious challenge, and communities need to be brought in early and meaningfully if things are going to move quickly and avoid the usual pushback.

On the supply chain side, there are reasons to feel positive. The construction of Hinkley Point C and the early-stage development of Sizewell C have created momentum, capability, and a skilled workforce. If we can capitalise on that, it’ll make a big difference for the rollout of SMRs. 

Throughout the summit, there was an undercurrent of urgency. Not panic, but a clear awareness that the window for getting this right is narrowing. The energy transition is happening now, and the technologies driving it, especially AI, aren’t slowing down to wait for the energy system to catch up.

It’s clear that a lot still needs to be worked out—on policy, public engagement, investment, and infrastructure. But at least for now, forums are emerging where those working in the sector can speak honestly about the challenges and begin to align on solutions.