UK is Worlds Most Expensive Nation for Nuclear Power Construction Review Finds Radical Reform Needed to Curb Soaring Costs

The United Kingdom has earned the reputation as the world’s most expensive location for nuclear power station construction, a government-commissioned review has found. The final report by the nuclear regulatory taskforce calls for significant reform to planning and environmental rules with the aim of delivering nuclear projects both faster and at a reduced cost.

The report highlights a “fragmented” regulatory environment that has led to decisions perceived as costly and disproportionate to the actual risks. According to taskforce chair John Fingleton, the UK’s complicated regulatory landscape prioritises process over outcome, hampering the efficient delivery of much-needed nuclear capacity. The government established the taskforce in early 2025, responding to commitments to overhaul long-standing regulatory frameworks.

Recommendations from the panel include restructuring various regulatory agencies into a single nuclear regulator and overhauling environmental and planning processes to enable more timely project delivery and support ecological protection. The findings have drawn a positive response from both industry and government, with the energy secretary, Ed Miliband, indicating these proposals will be essential for promoting nuclear power in a safe, cost-effective manner.

The Nuclear Industry Association welcomed the report as an unparalleled opportunity to improve the transparency and efficiency of nuclear regulation in Britain. Chief executive Tom Greatrex noted that excessive bureaucracy has historically hindered energy security and the country’s response to the climate crisis, adding billions in unnecessary costs that are ultimately passed on to households through higher bills.

This systemic complexity has led to unusual expenditures, such as the requirement for operators to pay almost £280,000 for each fish protected during construction, drawing criticism from pro-nuclear advocates for its impact on project timelines and affordability. Sam Richards, chief executive of campaign group Britain Remade, points to these examples as evidence that immediate policy change is required to ensure future nuclear investments deliver meaningful value for consumers.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation intends to consult on a new, modern regulatory approach, aiming for greater agility and productivity without sacrificing public confidence or robust safety standards. A streamlined, outcome-focused regulatory regime is positioned as crucial to maintaining both UK energy security and international competitiveness as the nation pursues its transition to low-carbon energy sources.