With the continued need to generate secure, affordable low carbon electricity, focus is turning to SMRs and the possibility of the co-generation of heat and power to complement existing renewable assets and decarbonise heat supply.
With the potential to offer lower capital costs, shorter construction times, improved safety and more flexible applications when compared to larger scale reactors, the development of SMRs is a key growth area in both the UK and international nuclear new build sectors.
We draw on the market leading knowledge and experience of our nuclear experts across the firm to offer a true cradle to grave service for SMR projects from financing, site acquisition, planning and licensing through to construction, operation and other regulatory matters.
Our nuclear lawyers are actively involved in shaping government policy on SMRs. Using our nuclear expertise, we continue to be involved in developing the sector's understanding of the legal hurdles to deployment of an SMR in the UK. Our lawyers are also members of key industry bodies in the UK and internationally, such as the Nuclear Industry Association, Nuclear Institute, the International Nuclear Law Association and the World Nuclear Association.
Areas of focus
Our nuclear lawyers have a proven track record advising on the following aspects of nuclear new build and operational nuclear projects which are of relevance to SMRs:
- Corporate structures.
- Site acquisition.
- The planning process and other consenting including radiological and non-radiological consenting.
- Financing of energy projects including Government support mechanisms such as Contracts for Difference and the Treasury's UK guarantees scheme.
- Funded decommissioning programmes.
- State aid and procurement.
- Nuclear site licensing and nuclear third party liability insurance.
- Construction contracts.
- Operational issues.
- Waste management and disposal.
- The transport of nuclear materials and radioactive waste.
- International nuclear law.