Energy & Infrastructure

Nuclear

Expert legal advice in nuclear energy law.

Specialist nuclear energy lawyers

The UK’s nuclear industry is undergoing rapid change, with existing nuclear power plants nearing decommissioning and significant investment in new nuclear power projects, including fusion. This expansion is key to energy independence, job creation, and economic growth.

However, nuclear power remains highly complex, requiring stringent legal, safety, and regulatory frameworks throughout its lifecycle, from development to decommissioning. Our nuclear lawyers provide expert legal advice to clients operating in the nuclear energy sector.

New nuclear builds

Our people have been working on new nuclear power projects since the beginning of the current renaissance in the UK. Foot Anstey has helped clients procure a significant number of site operations packages, which are critical to the delivery of nuclear power stations (including transport and logistics, site utilities, catering and accommodation, security, and IT). We also help establish significant alliances between multinational project partners to support the commissioning of new nuclear facilities.

Small modular reactors (SMRs)

SMRs are gaining interest as cost-effective, scalable alternatives to large-scale nuclear projects. While sharing key technologies and supply chain participants, SMRs differ in off-site manufacturing and assembly. Foot Anstey helps clients manage associated risks proactively, ensuring compliance with nuclear energy regulations.

Nuclear fusion

Fusion energy, unlike fission, is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive rather than the Office for Nuclear Regulation, offering a potentially streamlined approval process. The UKAEA aims to develop fusion plants within two decades. Foot Anstey supports clients exploring fusion’s applications, including space propulsion and grid power, within the broader nuclear energy transition.

Related services

Why choose Foot Anstey?

Our full-service, multidisciplinary team of nuclear energy lawyers advises and supports clients in achieving their aims in the nuclear energy sector. Our specialist nuclear practice is built on the experience and quality of our lawyers, coupled with our sector knowledge, which truly sets us apart.

Foot Anstey’s experts have built a strong reputation in the industry over the past decade and beyond, having worked on some of the most significant nuclear decommissioning and new-build projects in the UK, including the development of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant—the largest construction site in Europe. Whether you need guidance on nuclear energy regulation, the development of nuclear facilities, or managing energy transition strategies, our nuclear lawyers are here to support your business in every aspect of the nuclear industry.

Our expertise extends from early-stage support on issues such as planning and environmental considerations to advising on contracting models and procurement strategies. We also support contract negotiation, contract management during build and operation, and decommissioning. We assist clients with issues as wide-ranging as procurement, employment and immigration, IT and intellectual property, abnormal load logistics and import controls, as well as planning, construction, supply chain agreements, frameworks, corporate structures, trade restrictions, and tax.

Our people

At Foot Anstey, we have extensive experience in helping our clients navigate the challenges of nuclear power projects. Our team has supported developers, site licence companies, and contractors at all levels of the nuclear supply chain in achieving their ambitions within the nuclear sector.

We are uniquely placed to offer full-service legal support, underpinned by sound commercial knowledge and understanding of sector issues, in conjunction with a price and value proposition that is extremely competitive.

Meet our team