AUKUS and Strategic Partnerships saw a deepened collaboration, focusing on nuclear-powered submarine technology and advanced defence capabilities.
Where Policies were concerned the UK reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a “minimum credible deterrent,” while supporting NATO’s nuclear posture amid heightened global tensions.
On the global stage nuclear defence trends included U.S. and NATO advancing the modernisation of its nuclear triad, including new ICBMs (Sentinel program) and B-21 bombers. NATO emphasised nuclear deterrence as part of its strategic concept.
Russia: Continued development of novel nuclear delivery systems (e.g., hypersonic weapons, Poseidon underwater drones) amid geopolitical strains.
China: Expanded its nuclear arsenal significantly, moving toward a larger and more diversified deterrent, including silo-based ICBMs and submarine-launched systems.
Arms Control Challenges: The collapse of major treaties like New START renewal talks and growing concerns over arms race dynamics marked 2025 as a year of uncertainty for global nuclear governance.
Last year wasn’t just about policy or energy targets; it was a year defined by engineering ambition and construction milestones that will shape the industry for decades to come.
Hinkley Point C continued to dominate headlines as one of the most complex civil engineering projects in Europe. The site saw major progress, from reactor building completion to the installation of critical components. These achievements weren’t without challenges such as cost pressures and supply chain constraints testing resilience, but the project remains central to Britain’s low-carbon energy future.
Meanwhile, Sizewell C moved from planning into tangible action. Preparatory works accelerated, and engineering contracts expanded to support modular construction techniques, signalling a shift toward efficiency and innovation.
But infrastructure isn’t just about concrete and steel, it’s about people. 2025 highlighted the growing need for skilled engineers, project managers, and technical specialists. Apprenticeships and nuclear-specific training programs gained momentum, ensuring the next generation is ready to deliver on these ambitious projects, yet mid-career to executive level we certainly have an important skills gap to address.
Globally, the story was just as compelling. In the United States, Vogtle Units 3 and 4 marked a historic milestone as the first new reactors in decades entered operation. These projects showcased advanced modular assembly techniques, setting a precedent for future builds.
Across Asia, China continued its rapid expansion, leveraging standardised designs to deploy multiple reactors simultaneously, a feat that underscores the importance of engineering precision and scalability.
India and South Korea also pushed forward with new projects, reinforcing nuclear’s role in energy security.
Innovation was another defining theme. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) moved from concept to reality, with pilot projects in Canada, the US, and the UK edging closer to licensing and early-stage construction. These designs promise flexibility, faster deployment, and a new era of nuclear engineering that could transform how we think about energy infrastructure.
Waste Management
When we talk about nuclear energy, the conversation often gravitates toward power generation, innovation, and carbon reduction. But behind every reactor and infrastructure project lies a critical responsibility, managing nuclear waste safely and sustainably. In 2025, this area saw significant progress and some pressing challenges that will define the future of the industry.
Across the UK, the focus remained on advancing the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) program, a cornerstone of long-term waste strategy. Community engagement deepened, with several regions actively participating in site evaluations. This wasn’t just about engineering; it was about building trust and transparency. The year highlighted how technical excellence and social responsibility must go hand in hand when dealing with high-level waste.
Operationally, the UK continued to make strides in interim storage solutions, ensuring that spent fuel and radioactive materials are managed securely while permanent disposal options evolve. Engineering innovation played a key role here, with improved containment systems and digital monitoring technologies enhancing safety standards.
Globally, the narrative was equally dynamic. Finland’s Onkalo repository moved closer to becoming the world’s first operational deep geological facility, a milestone that sets a precedent for others. Sweden and France advanced their own disposal programs, while the United States renewed efforts to resolve long-standing challenges around permanent storage. Meanwhile, countries like Canada and Japan invested heavily in research on advanced waste treatment and recycling technologies, aiming to reduce volumes and recover valuable materials.
One of the most exciting developments was the growing interest in partitioning and transmutation techniques that could dramatically reduce the long-term radiotoxicity of waste. While still in the research phase, these innovations signal a future where waste management is not just about containment but transformation.
For professionals in the nuclear sector, these trends underscore a vital truth, waste management is no longer a back-office function. It’s a front-line discipline requiring expertise in engineering, environmental science, policy, and stakeholder engagement. Careers in this space are expanding, offering opportunities to shape solutions that will safeguard generations to come.
In Conclusion
As we move into 2026, the challenge is clear, how do we accelerate progress while maintaining public confidence and technical rigor? The answer lies in collaboration between governments, industry, and communities, and in the talent that drives innovation forward. If 2025 was a year of groundwork, 2026 must be a year of action.
Remember to contact us to expand on these topics and to discuss how Nuclear Careers can help with your hiring needs in 2026.
