NextGen Nuclear Summit 2026

The inaugural NextGen Nuclear Summit brought together reactor developers, utilities, regulators, investors, technology providers, industrial energy users and government stakeholders to explore how the next generation of nuclear technologies can support economic growth, energy security and industrial decarbonisation.

Against a backdrop of rapidly increasing electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, hyperscale data centres, advanced manufacturing, hydrogen production and industrial electrification, delegates examined the critical role nuclear energy will play in delivering reliable, low-carbon power at scale.

Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted a growing shift in industry thinking. Nuclear is no longer viewed solely as a source of electricity generation, but increasingly as a strategic platform capable of supporting industrial heat, hydrogen production, synthetic fuels, advanced manufacturing, maritime decarbonisation and future digital infrastructure.

A recurring theme throughout the event was the need to move beyond policy ambition and demonstration projects towards an industrialised approach to deployment. Discussions focused on the importance of establishing a long-term project pipeline, developing supply chain capacity, investing in workforce skills and creating delivery models capable of reducing costs while accelerating project schedules.

The summit also explored the expanding opportunities for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs). Industry leaders shared perspectives on project development, financing, site selection, regulatory frameworks and customer demand, highlighting the importance of creating commercially viable deployment pathways that can be replicated at scale.

Particular attention was given to the growing relationship between nuclear energy and artificial intelligence infrastructure. As data centre operators seek secure, reliable and sustainable sources of power, many participants identified nuclear energy as a key enabler of future digital economies and national competitiveness.

Alongside discussions on power generation, speakers examined how advanced reactors could support industrial decarbonisation through the provision of high-temperature heat, low-carbon hydrogen and integrated energy solutions. These applications were identified as essential for reducing emissions in sectors such as steel, cement, chemicals, refining and manufacturing.

The event concluded with a clear message: the challenge facing the nuclear industry is no longer proving the value of nuclear energy, but delivering projects faster, more efficiently and at greater scale. Achieving this ambition will require collaboration across government, industry, investors, technology developers and the wider supply chain.

The NextGen Nuclear Summit demonstrated the growing momentum behind new nuclear deployment and reinforced the sector's role as a cornerstone of future economic growth, energy resilience and net-zero delivery.