UK plans regulatory reset to boost nuclear power

The UK government is pushing ahead with nuclear regulatory reforms based on recommendations from the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce. Key changes include streamlining environmental and planning approvals, limiting legal challenges to nationally important projects, relaxing radiation limits for workers, and reducing protections for natural sites to cut costs. The goal is 'safe, cost effective, and rapid' nuclear deployment to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and meet growing energy demands from AI datacenters and electrification. The reforms mirror similar deregulatory moves in the US under the Trump administration. All reforms are expected to be completed by end of 2027, though new nuclear plants are unlikely to come online before the next decade.