As we celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day, Simon Collingwood, AMRC's director of external affairs and communications, writes why 'it is worth stepping back to look at the journey we have been on and the opportunity that sits in front of us'.

The global race to build the next generation of clean, reliable nuclear power is accelerating – and the UK has a golden opportunity to play a critical role in it. Whether the USA, China, various European and Asian countries are switching on to nuclear for its clean baseline power capabilities or the need for energy security. From large-scale new builds to the rapid emergence of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies, these national political decisions are unlocking a huge commercial and decarbonising opportunity where the UK can play to the strengths of Britain’s manufacturing base.

Nuclear is not just an energy story; it is a growth agenda. 

The transition to a low-carbon economy demands affordable, always-on power for industry, transport and future fuels. Nuclear – particularly modular, factory-built reactors – offers the scale, reliability and export potential to stimulate thousands of high-value jobs across the UK’s industrial heartlands. Global demand is rising sharply as nations seek energy security and net zero solutions. UK manufacturers that can position themselves early stand to access long-term programmes worth hundreds of billions of pounds worldwide.

To deliver this, innovation is essential. New manufacturing technologies – from robotic fabrication, electron beam welding and advanced machining to digital twins, automation and composite materials – will determine whether SMRs and other advanced reactors can be built at pace, at cost, and with the safety and quality the sector demands. The opportunity extends beyond the grid: energy-intensive sectors such as chemicals, data centres, hydrogen production and heavy industry are exploring off-grid nuclear solutions to decarbonise their operations while boosting resilience.

Success will depend on accelerating deployment. That means designing reactors for manufacturability, reducing production risk, validating novel processes, securing qualified supply chains and proving that UK industry can deliver repeatable, modular construction. This is where the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centres come into their own.

Backed by the Government, the Catapult network – notably the AMRC, MTC and NMIS – provides the de-risking environment that developers and manufacturers need to move quickly and confidently. Their expertise in advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, materials science and factory innovation helps companies validate techniques, scale up production, and meet the strict regulatory and quality requirements of the nuclear sector. Crucially, they connect manufacturers with major developers, opening the door to supply chain participation and export opportunities.

With the right technology, partnerships and ambition, nuclear energy can move beyond headlines and sound bites to deliver both clean power and industrial prosperity.