The government is setting out plans to fast-track the delivery of advanced nuclear technologies with the publication of this week’s Advanced Nuclear Framework.
The first-of-its-kind framework will help unlock private investment, create thousands of skilled jobs, and position regions like the East Midlands at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future.
As part of a new approach, ministers will recognise the most credible advanced nuclear projects through a new national “pipeline”, giving developers the confidence and clarity needed to bring forward investment.
Britain is already leading internationally on privately driven advanced nuclear development, with major commercial partnerships announced between UK and US companies.
The East Midlands is emerging as a focal point for innovation through proposals to develop small modular reactors at the former coal-fired power station at Cottam in Nottinghamshire. Led by Holtec, EDF, and Tritax, the project would provide clean, reliable electricity to power data centres on site. The new Government framework will directly impact the Cottam development by helping to get the project off the ground.
The proposal for redeveloping Cottam forms part of the wider Trent Supercluster – a pioneering programme transforming the former coal-fired power station sites at West Burton, High Marnham, and Cottam into a world-class centre for clean energy and digital technology.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “Through the Trent Supercluster programme, we’re turning our industrial heritage into a catalyst for green growth. These projects mean thousands of skilled jobs for local people, new apprenticeships and training opportunities for our young people, and long-term investment in communities that have powered the country for generations.
“By positioning our region as a global leader in clean energy, we’re creating a stronger local economy and making sure the benefits are felt right across the East Midlands.”
The Trent Supercluster has already attracted billions of pounds of public and private investment and is expected to add about £930 million to the local economy each year.
Through the Trent Supercluster, the East Midlands has the potential to create more than 15,500 new jobs across clean energy, engineering, and emerging technologies. A major programme of apprenticeships and training will also equip local people with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. The programme will also deliver new infrastructure, including up to 6,800 homes, and a discovery centre celebrating the region’s historic and future role in powering the UK.
To accelerate progress, the government will introduce a new “concierge-style” service to support advanced nuclear developers, helping them navigate planning, regulation, fuel supply, and investment opportunities. By providing a clearer route to deployment, the service will help crowd in private capital and ensure projects in regions such as the East Midlands can move from concept to construction more quickly.
Advanced nuclear technologies – including small and micro modular reactors – are designed to be manufactured in factories and assembled on site, enabling faster delivery at lower cost. They offer a flexible source of clean power for the national grid or directly for private industrial users, supporting the growth of AI, data centres, and low-carbon manufacturing while helping to decarbonise the wider economy.
By combining advanced nuclear innovation with large-scale regeneration, the Trent Supercluster is driving inclusive growth, regional pride, and global opportunity — positioning the East Midlands as a cornerstone of Britain’s clean, secure, and prosperous energy future.
Minister for Nuclear Patrick Vallance said: “Advanced nuclear technology could revolutionise how we power industry and propel the AI data centre boom – delivering more clean energy and jobs.
“We are seizing the opportunity to become a frontrunner in this space as part of our golden age of nuclear, creating the conditions for the industry to flourish.”
Jane Bowie, SMR Development Director at EDF, said: “In the week we recognise the 50th anniversary of when the UK’s first two AGR power stations started operations, EDF welcomes the government’s advanced nuclear framework which will help develop a new generation of nuclear power projects.
“EDF is working with US company Holtec on an exciting opportunity to develop their small modular reactor technology at the Cottam site in Nottinghamshire.
“Government recognition and support for projects like these – alongside the UK-US nuclear partnership and reforms proposed in the recent Fingleton review on nuclear regulation – will help attract finance and increase the prospects of these projects moving forward.”