Civil Nuclear Technologies
A ‘Golden Age’ of Innovation
September 5, 2026
Civil Nuclear Technologies surveys the rapidly changing reactor landscape confronting Britain as it seeks to deliver a new ‘Golden Age’ of nuclear power. From established large reactors and SMRs to advanced and micro-reactor technologies, innovation is widening the range of options available. As part of its detailed examination of possible reactor technologies, the report argues that technological abundance risks becoming a source of delay unless Government makes clear choices on which reactors to pursue. To avoid the risks of a ‘let all flowers bloom approach’, it calls for technology selection to sit at the heart of a revised nuclear deployment plan, backed by fleet-based procurement, stronger supply chains and deeper international partnerships.
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Authors

Edward Barlow
Research Fellow



