Wednesday 4 February 2026

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) has welcomed the launch of the Advanced Nuclear Technologies (ANT) Framework, which sets out how privately-led nuclear projects can access support to bring new technologies to market in the UK.

Announced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 4 February, the first-of-its-kind Framework establishes a clear pathway for advanced reactor developers to work towards UK deployment, including structured opportunities to access UKNNL’s specialist facilities, technical expertise and collaborative research programmes.

The Framework explicitly recognises UKNNL’s role as the government’s lead civil nuclear fission laboratory. It highlights our mission to provide expertise, facilities and support that enable the private sector to de-risk and accelerate advanced nuclear development.

Through the Framework, UKNNL will support tomorrow’s fission technology from proof of concept through to commissioning while driving nuclear prosperity across the UK.

Julianne Antrobus, UKNNL Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The ANT Framework represents an important step forward in realising the UK’s advanced nuclear ambitions. At UKNNL, our mission is to enable and deliver nuclear outcomes for government and support growth of the UK nuclear sector. This Framework provides developers with a clear route to access the capabilities, facilities and expertise they need to bring innovative technologies from concept through to deployment.

“We look forward to working with the next generation of nuclear innovators as they contribute to the UK’s clean energy future.”

As the government’s lead civil nuclear fission laboratory, UKNNL plays a central role in enabling the private sector to de-risk and accelerate the development and commercialisation of advanced nuclear technologies. Its capabilities span reactor design, fuel cycle analysis, safety case development, materials science, and waste management, alongside the UK’s only facility for hot-cell examination of irradiated fuel at component level.

Gareth Headdock, UKNNL Chief Science & Technology Officer, said:

“UKNNL has built decades of experience across the full nuclear fuel cycle, from graphite technology and fuel performance modelling to post-irradiation examination and spent fuel management. Our technical teams are already engaged in international programmes at the forefront of advanced reactor development.

“The ANT Framework creates a structured way for developers to draw on this expertise as they work towards regulatory approval and eventual deployment in the UK.”

Projects that complete the Framework’s preliminary regulatory assessment and join the Pipeline will have structured opportunities to work with UKNNL, including specialist facilities, technical consultancy, and collaborative research partnerships. Any developer can also approach UKNNL directly to discuss how its capabilities can support their technology development journey.