About Nuclear Energy

With concerns about climate change and the challenges of reliability and scalability for some sources of renewable energy, we are still very reliant on nuclear power.  The UK currently has 9 commercial nuclear reactors operating across 5 power stations, producing around 15% of the nation’s current demand and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

The Sizewell nuclear site on the Suffolk coast has long been a champion of alternative energy, with Sizewell A power station operating between 1966 and 2006.  Now decommissioned, the site produced 110 TWh (400 PJ) of electricity in its 40 year operational lifespan, roughly enough to meet the domestic needs of all England and Wales for six months.  Sizewell B, currently in operation, started producing in 1995 and is expected to contribute to the UK’s energy mix until at least 2035.

With Sizewell C entering the construction phase in 2024, the area will continue to be a major nuclear hub for decades to come, with the latest project expected to create apprenticeships and thousands of local jobs, contributing £4 billion to the region’s supply chains and economy. 

Careers in nuclear energy offer challenging but very rewarding work with competitive salaries and opportunities for progression.

There is also work in decommissioning, which is when the power plants are closed down to ensure they are safe when their lifetime is over, and 'outage' operations where active power stations are routinely put into a low-power state for cleaning and essential maintenance.