Insider Brief
- John Fingleton CBE has been appointed to lead the UK government’s Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce, which aims to accelerate the development of new nuclear power projects.
- The taskforce will review regulations to make Britain more attractive for nuclear investment by streamlining planning and approval processes while maintaining safety standards.
- The reforms support the UK’s net zero targets and energy security strategy, with a focus on reducing costs, encouraging international alignment, and enabling both civil and defense nuclear projects.
John Fingleton to Lead UK Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce
John Fingleton CBE, a former chief of the Office of Fair Trading, has been tapped to lead the UK government’s new Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce and launch a “nuclear renaissance.”
“Our Plan for Change and clean energy mission means it is time to build, build, build – it is time for a nuclear renaissance in this country, and that can only happen if we move further and faster to break down the barriers,” Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said in the announcement.
Taskforce Mission: Review and Streamline Nuclear Regulation
According to the government, the taskforce will review and streamline nuclear regulation in a bid to make Britain more attractive to investors and developers. The UK is currently considered one of the costliest countries to build nuclear facilities. Fingleton and his panel of experts will explore ways to cut red tape, remove duplications, and speed up planning and approval processes while maintaining rigorous safety and security standards.
“I am very pleased to lead this important work to improve how the UK delivers new nuclear capacity.,” said Fingleton in a statement, noting new nuclear power is “essential” for growth and greater productivity. “I will work closely with business, regulators and other interested individuals and groups to identify how regulation can better enable and incentivize investment in this area. “
Fingleton’s experience lies outside the nuclear industry, a feature the government highlighted as a strength. He previously served as Chair of the Board at UK Research and Innovation and has a background in economic policy and regulation, according to his company website. The goal, according to the government, is to bring a fresh perspective to a field often bogged down by legacy procedures.
Focus on Both Civil and Defense Nuclear Programs
The regulatory review will cover both civil and defense nuclear programs. This includes exploring international harmonization to reduce the need for costly modifications to reactor designs already approved abroad. It also aims to bolster the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, a key pillar of the UK’s nuclear deterrent strategy.
The move follows earlier steps by the government to overhaul infrastructure planning rules. In January, Downing Street announced it would lift the restriction limiting nuclear projects to eight designated sites and eliminate expiration clauses that hinder long-term planning. The reforms aim to create more certainty for industry and investors.
Sizewell C and the Future of UK Nuclear Projects
Sizewell C, the nuclear project in Suffolk, has recently been held up by legal challenges and escalating costs. The government has committed £2.7 billion to the plant and hopes regulatory reform will prevent similar delays in the future.
The taskforce will also work in tandem with Great British Nuclear, the body overseeing the small modular reactor (SMR) competition. Contract negotiations with SMR developers are underway, part of a broader effort to foster innovation and localization in nuclear technology.
The panel of nuclear experts who will support Fingleton is expected to be announced “in due course.” Together, they will produce a set of recommendations designed to streamline the nuclear build process and attract new investment, reinforcing the UK’s push to become a “clean energy superpower.”
Nuclear Power’s Role in the UK’s Net Zero and Energy Security Goals
The UK government views nuclear power as essential for meeting its net zero targets while boosting energy security and economic resilience. The work of Fingleton’s taskforce could shape the future of nuclear energy in Britain for decades to come.
