Nuclear Careers

Rolls-Royce SMR lands in North Wales

Fantastic news today for British nuclear and the immediate region in Anglesey. We recently had a trip to the area and the boost this will have on local skills, and the economy is going to be life changing.

Supporting ~3000 jobs and billions of pounds of investment over the coming decade; this is set to support a generation of young people.

Touted as the golden age of nuclear, North Wales is on the map for many different reasons and the first of its kind nuclear is the newest.

Critical rail upgrades and manufacturing are just two of the areas that will feel the £2.5 billion investment, and this will further enhance British nuclear security, sustainability, and is a vital part of our modern industrial strategy.

Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, added:

“This is a historic moment for the UK and is another momentous step in realising Britain’s potential in leading the way on nuclear energy.

“These first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK’s energy independence and bringing long-term investment to the local economy.

“Wylfa has a proud history of nuclear excellence, and we’re excited to build on that foundation to deliver jobs, training, and low-carbon energy for generations to come.”

Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said:

“We are honoured to have the opportunity to establish our UK fleet programme with an initial three units at the Wylfa site. Today’s announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa.

“This is a tremendous opportunity not just for North Wales but for the whole country, as we establish an enduring supply chain that will enable our fleet deployment in the UK and a large export programme, starting in Czechia.

“We will deliver nuclear power very differently by utilising modularisation and a high level of factory build, therefore minimising the impact on local people from infrastructure delivery. We are excited to be working with the local community to create jobs and growth.”

The Prime Minister said:

“Britain was once a world-leader in nuclear power, but years of neglect and inertia has meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind.

“Today, that changes. We’re using all the tools in our armoury – cutting red tape, changing planning laws, and backing growth – to deliver the country’s first SMR in North Wales.

“This government isn’t just reversing decline, it’s delivering thousands of future-proofed jobs, driving billions in investment, and providing cheaper energy bills in the long term.

“That’s national renewal in action: powered by British talent, powered by nuclear, and powered by a government that’s delivering for working people.”

Picture: gov.uk

EIB Invests in Finland’s Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant

Two nuclear power plants will get an upgrade for reactor 1 & 2 with a €90 million backing from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Finnish energy supplier Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) will receive the funding which they will implement into a multi-year timeline.

The upgrades are required under Finnish and EU safety legislation to ensure continued safe and efficient operation.

“By supporting safety upgrades at Olkiluoto, we are helping Finland strengthen its energy mix with reliable, low-carbon power,” said EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer. “This investment supports Finland’s energy independence and contributes to the EU’s goals of ensuring secure and clean electricity for homes and businesses.”

Olkiluoto is the construction site for the world’s first final nuclear waste disposal facility, and it also produces 28% of Finland’s electricity needs.

Picture: TVO

Iowa’s Nuclear Power Plant Facility

There is a planned restart of Iowa’s only nuclear plant, the Duane Arnold Energy Center (Duane Arnold), with operations resuming sometime in 2029.

Google have signed a new agreement with NextEra Energy to meet the growing demand for AI infrastructure.

This is an exciting move for U.S. nuclear leadership and security while achieving clean, reliable energy via nuclear.

The restarting of the plant will encourage improved growth in the American economy (more than $9 billion) by increasing job opportunities (over 2000 direct/indirect/highly skilled), allowing scientific advancements, improving health & education prospects, and enhancing security.

NextEra Energy will take a 100% ownership in the plant as they are acquiring Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) and Corn Belt Power Cooperative’s 30% commitment, in an agreement that matches Google’s.

Due to this agreement Google and NextEra Energy are also exploring developing new generation nuclear across the U.S.

NextEra Energy is one of the leading electricity providers to homes and businesses and is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in North America.

Read the full story; https://newsroom.nexteraenergy.com/NextEra-Energy-and-Google-Announce-New-Collaboration-to-Accelerate-Nuclear-Energy-Deployment-in-the-U-S?l=12

Picture: NextEra Energy (Duane Arnold)

Kansai Electric to Restart 44-year-old Reactor

A next generation reactor plan is underway by Kansai Electric Power to restart the 44-year-old Mihama reactor based in Fukui Prefecture, 300-miles west of Tokyo.

The site survey has begun analysing geological conditions to determine the feasibility of constructing a new power plant. Materials and equipment have been transported to the areas.

The survey will continue until circa 2030 with several stages: a boring survey, field examinations, collecting rock samples, and excavating tunnels.

Pictures: Kansai Electrical Power/Mihama Power Plant

New York’s New Nuclear Construction Plans

Upstate New York is to gain its first new nuclear plant in a generation.

It’s clear that New York will benefit from utilising advanced nuclear technology; generating thousands of union jobs, enhancing security, lowering emissions, and ensuring reliability to the growing grid.

Governor Kathy Hochul directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to start developing and constructing an advanced new nuclear power plant to support a reliable & affordable electric grid.

“As New York State electrifies its economy, deactivates aging fossil fuel power generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future,” Governor Hochul said. “This is the second time during my administration that I am calling on the New York Power Authority to lead a critical energy initiative, and just as it is doing with the expedited buildout of renewable energy and transmission, it will now safely and rapidly deploy clean, reliable nuclear power for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”

Full article; https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-directs-new-york-power-authority-develop-zero-emission-advanced-nuclear-energy

Picture: https://www.governor.ny.gov

Sizewell C Financial Closure

SZC becomes the first power plant to be funded by the UK’s Regulated Asset Based (RAB) model and is a debt raised financing of £5 billion.

Due to the company’s robust financial structure and being able to replicate the process at Hinkley Point C, the project was able to prove it could reduce cost & timelines hence gaining strong credit ratings from multiple agencies.

Once the site is operational it could create savings of £2 billion per year, leading to cheaper prices for consumers and utilising a low-carbon electricity system.

The project should lead to over 10,000 skilled, British job opportunities with thousands more within the supply chain and creating ~ 1,500 apprenticeships.

Importantly, SZC will supply 6 million homes with home-grown clean energy for 60 years+. The British economy is set to see a huge boost and an increase in energy security.

Sizewell C’s Joint-Managing Directors, Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, said:

“Sizewell C is a transformative project for Britain’s energy future, delivering reliable low-carbon power, tens of thousands of jobs, and a major boost to the UK economy.”

“In Sizewell C the UK has pioneered a model for financing new build nuclear which works for both consumers and private investors and has attracted considerable interest from other countries with nuclear power development plans.”

Full story here; https://www.sizewellc.com/news-views/sizewell-c-reaches-financial-close-with-5-billion-export-credit-backed-debt-raise-and-strong-investment-grade-credit-rating/

Picture: SZC

Sweden’s Radioactive Waste Repository

Forsmark is home to one of the world’s first repositories for spent nuclear fuel.

Sweden is one of the leading countries when it comes to nuclear waste management and SKB has developed a process for safely storing radioactive waste.

Machinery is on site digging gravel and groundwork has begun on site to prepare for bridge construction. The site is right next door to the Forsmark power plant which should mean logistics are more straight-forward.

The area is 24 hectares; however, the impressive part if what will be 500-metres deep underground; more than 400 hectares that will include 60km of tunnels.

Sweden has 12 commercial reactors in total with 6 still in operation and this will be home to all of their high-level waste.

Excavation work will be completed in stages up until the 2080’s and the first deposited waste will be within the 2030’s.

“While we have been waiting for a decision, we have continued to work on technology development and optimisation,” says SKB’s CEO Stefan Engdahl. We have been able to do what we have been doing for 40 years – research and develop the solutions needed to fulfil our mission: to manage and dispose of operational waste, demolition waste and spent nuclear fuel from our owners.”

Picture: SKB

Nuclear Component Manufacturing MoU Signed

BWX Technologies and Rolls-Royce SMR announce MoU signing for the manufacture of key nuclear components.

BWXT is in a powerful global position when it comes to enabling advanced nuclear developers to fulfil their growing demands. The Canadian subsidiary has been producing steam generators for over 60-years and has already supplied 315 steam generators around the world.

Each RR SMR reactor uses 3 steam generators to generate 470 MWe while utilising its pressurised water system. This MoU could include supporting the global roll out of Rolls-Royce’s SMR technology worldwide.

Collaboration is key when it comes to advanced technology and the nuclear industry. The power of a strong manufacturing partnership cannot be understated and with the increased focus on clean, reliable energy, this announcement could prove to be a pivotal move for both companies.

Official release; https://www.bwxt.com/bwxt-and-rolls-royce-smr-sign-agreements-advancing-key-nuclear-component-manufacturing/

Picture: BWXT

Women in Nuclear: Speed Mentoring & Networking

Women in Nuclear (WiN) Central England Branch held a networking and speed mentoring event at UKAEA on the Culham Campus, Oxford, last night (06/11/25).

There were five mentors representing UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Nuclear Waste Servies (NWS), Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) and Collaborative Environmental Advisors (CEA) with six mentees who all had the chance to talk to all mentors.

Speed mentoring is a great way to introduce both mentor & mentee to each other in short, timed sessions of ~15/20 minutes. Mentees are able to gain insight from each mentor in order to foster quick relationships as opposed to the longer-term commitment of a traditional mentor.

This concept is also valuable for the mentor who gains skills and a development opportunity by talking to different professionals and offering important support.

The evening offered diverse perspectives, a focused learning opportunity, the ability to network during, before and after sessions, and allows a more informal setting than some traditional methods.

Please reach out if you are interested to hear how you can join your local branch of WiN for free! We encourage men and women to join as we want to foster collaboration and allyship in the industry.

Tihange 3: Modernising for a Resilient Nuclear Future

Belgium’s energy strategy is evolving, and Tihange 3 is at the centre of this transformation. As part of a landmark 2023 agreement between Engie and the Belgian government, the 1,030 MWe pressurised water reactor (PWR) —commissioned in 1985—will undergo a major modernisation to extend its operational life by a decade.

Framatome has been entrusted with upgrading the reactor’s rod control system, a critical component for safe and precise power regulation. The project involves replacing legacy control cabinets with Framatome’s advanced Rodline technology, ensuring enhanced reliability and automatic failover capabilities. This upgrade is not just technical—it’s strategic. It reflects Belgium’s pivot from nuclear phase-out to long-term energy security, driven by geopolitical realities and the need for low-carbon baseload power.

The modernisation aligns with broader European trends: leveraging proven nuclear assets while integrating cutting-edge instrumentation and control systems. For professionals in the nuclear sector, this initiative underscores the growing demand for expertise in life extension programs, digital modernisation, and regulatory compliance.

As Laurent Thieffry of Framatome notes, this partnership is “part of a long-term vision,” signalling opportunities for engineers, project managers, and innovators committed to shaping a resilient, sustainable energy future.

Full press release: https://newsroom.engie.com/actualites/closing-de-laccord-entre-engie-et-le-gouvernement-belge-df4b7-ff316.html

Picture: enercore.global

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Upstate New York is to gain its first new nuclear plant in a generation.

SZC becomes the first power plant to be funded by the UK’s Regulated Asset Based (RAB) model and is a debt raised financing of £5 billion.

Forsmark is home to one of the world’s first repositories for spent nuclear fuel.

BWX Technologies and Rolls-Royce SMR announce MoU signing for the manufacture of key nuclear components.

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