Industry professionals are strongly optimistic about the UK’s nuclear future, according to new research from the Nuclear Institute.
Coming one year on from Labour taking office, the survey of our members found that 84.5% of respondents are very or somewhat optimistic about the industry’s prospects. Only 9.1% expressing some level of pessimism.
This confidence comes amid announcements of the government’s robust nuclear agenda, which has prioritised energy and national security through major investments like the £14.2 billion commitment to build Sizewell C, construction of new nuclear submarines and the selection of Rolls-Royce to construct the UK’s first small modular reactors (SMRs).
Robert Gofton, CEO of the Nuclear Institute, said: “The UK has a proud legacy in nuclear, having been a global leader in nuclear energy since the late 1950s, and we are encouraged to see that our members are optimistic about the future, just as we are.
“The nuclear industry provides some 85,000 jobs across the UK, with nuclear jobs about twice the gross value added per worker of the national average, across both energy and defence. It’s an industry that delivers great things for our country and with huge opportunity for future growth.”
Despite their optimism, members recognised a number of key industry challenges, including:
- Skills shortages: Growing demand for nuclear professionals raises concerns about workforce capacity and future growth.
- Funding barriers: Financial constraints threaten new projects and the maintenance of existing infrastructure.
- Public perception: Misinformed or negative views can influence policy and both private and public sector investment.
- Policy indecision: Lack of a clear, long-term government strategy can complicate project planning and could hinder the industry’s ability to execute projects effectively.
- Project management: The complexity of managing large-scale projects and translating prospects and plans into practical, timely outcomes.
“Whilst we’re optimistic, the Institute and our members are realistic about the sector too, and recognise that there many challenges that we face,” Robert added.
“There is a target of 40,000 net new jobs by 2030 under the government-backed Nuclear Skills Plan to keep pace with the sector’s growth. This covers the people required for both energy and defence nuclear targets to guarantee power supply and national security.
“We are committed to supporting our members in navigating these challenges. Our work centres around support for both the acquisition and retention of talent, a drive toward professionalism, advocating for our members at government level, and amplifying the profile of the industry.”
The survey revealed that 65.5% of respondents agree that their membership benefits their career development. Members feel that it gives them a sense of community; access to professional recognition and qualifications; access to industry news and knowledge; and valuable networking, learning and mentorship opportunities.
To find out more about membership of the Nuclear Institute, visit nuclearinst.com/membership
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact Arianne Smart on 07435 763384 or arianne.smart@distinctivecomms.co.uk.
About the research
Data comes from Nuclear Institute’s member survey which ran from Wednesday 28 May to Wednesday 1 July 2025. 142 Nuclear Institute members completed the survey. It covered members at all stages of their careers, from students to retirees.