Nuclear energy

Expert advice for all stages of the nuclear lifecycle

As governments around the globe incentivise low-carbon energy solutions to achieve climate objectives, there is renewed interest in nuclear power as a stable low carbon energy source. As a committed member of the Nuclear Industry Association, we work across all stages of the nuclear lifecycle to support the investment and development of nuclear projects.

Our lawyers can help you navigate the nuclear sector and the exciting opportunities it presents. We have a long-standing involvement in the nuclear industry so can help you understand the regulatory, developmental and operational challenges of nuclear generation and the role it can play in supporting the energy transition. Our experience will help you capitalise on the potential of next-generation nuclear as a major low-carbon energy solution.

Unparalleled experience of the nuclear sector

Despite its continued potential, nuclear power remains a complex low carbon energy solution.  Delivering successful projects requires detailed sector-specific legal expertise to guide you through the technical, commercial and regulatory frameworks.

Our experience in the nuclear sector is extensive – we support both new nuclear projects (gigawatt scale and advanced nuclear), and operators and participants in the existing operating fleet.

How we can help you

Our work for clients in the nuclear sector includes advising on:

• the nuclear regulatory regime (and application of international conventions)
• the property and planning aspects of new and existing projects
• EPC, O&M, LTSA and other construction contracts, for both new build plants and significant plant upgrade projects on the existing fleet
• shareholder and investment structures for nuclear projects
• complex dispute resolution issues
• the nuclear environmental regime and the management of waste
• the structuring of conventional large-scale gigawatt projects, and innovative small modular reactors (SMR) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs)
• offtake arrangements (PPAs) for existing and new build plants
• the development of innovative fuel cycles and power applications
• strategies that complement renewables, hydrogen and other energy technologies

Our nuclear energy lawyers

Our international team delivers results for clients in all areas of the nuclear energy sector. We have extensive experience in advising on UK and European projects and the internal regulatory environment (e.g. Paris Convention). As a full service law firm, we offer a range of legal capabilities and expertise across our network of offices.