Nuclear industry

Nuclear power provides about 18% of the UK’s electricity and by doing so, saves the equivalent of the carbon emissions from most of the UK’s cars on the road. The nuclear fuel-cycle operations in the UK are of major international importance and can provide for all the needs of the UK and for much of the export demand. The Ministry of Defence operates a fleet of nuclear–powered submarines, including the new Astute class and maintains the Trident programme. Download the Nuclear Industry Overview diagram.

The safe and cost-effective decommissioning and clean-up of the industry's power stations and fuel-processing facilities, which are being progressively shut down, are providing future technical and engineering challenges for the industry. The decommissioning of the UK’s civil nuclear facilities and the clean-up of the sites has been the responsibility of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority since 1st April 2005. The industry operators are supported by a wide variety of supply-chain companies, such as engineering and construction contractors, fabricators of specialist equipment, manufacturers and specialist service providers. Companies involved in the design or supply of safety-related equipment or materials must meet strict quality requirements and need underpinning knowledge about the work of the industry.

The UK industry also has a significant international element of its business. The experience and skills held by the industry in reactor operation, design and construction, maintenance and inspection, waste management and decommissioning technology provides a good basis for export business to a growing global market. Many British nuclear companies have substantial business in markets abroad. The recent release of the Energy White Paper also highlights the potential for new build in the UK.

» Download this factsheet in English (PDF, 1.65MB) or Cymraeg (PDF, 324KB)

Industry details

Includes:

  • Fuel manufacture and enrichment
  • Fuel Processing
  • Defence the nuclear deterrent
  • Power Production
  • Decommissioning and clean-up
  • Waste Management

Statistics:

  • The UK is the 10th highest nuclear generating country globally
  • The UK Nuclear industry generated 69.2 billion kWh in 2006
  • In May 2007 the UK Nuclear industry was 6th globally for the number of power stations still in operation
  • The Royal Navy has 15 nuclear powered submarines in service
  • The last UK nuclear power station is due to close in 2035
  • Expected cost for decommissioning and clean-up in 2007/08 £1.10bn

The Skills Gap


There is an over supply of people qualified at S/NVQ level 1 and below compared to the number of jobs at that level in the Nuclear Fuel Processing Industry.

Elementary Occupations only account for 5% of the overall workforce.

There is a 12% SURPLUS of people qualified at S/NVQ level 1 and below.

There is an under supply of people qualified to S/NVQ level 2 and 3 compared to the proportion of jobs at those levels in the Nuclear Fuel Processing Industry.

Level 2 and level 3 occupations account for 53% of the Nuclear Industry.

There is a 33% DEFICIT of people qualified at S/NVQ levels 2 and 3.