Engineering support for the UK’s nuclear power industry 

Recently identified as one of the most important growth sectors in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the nuclear industry is growing quickly in the UK. Independent Design House (IDH) provides a range of engineering services to the sector.

UK nuclear industry evolution

Latest figures show that Britain’s nuclear power sector grew by a quarter in 2024 to £20bn. Its record workforce has also increased by a third to 87,000.

This rise is ​predominantly driven by new nuclear projects at Hinkley Point C, in Somerset, and Sizewell C, in Suffolk, according to the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA).

A long heritage in nuclear

The origins of the industry in the UK date back to almost 70 years. A young Queen Elizabeth II opened the world’s first commercial nuclear power station at Calder Hall, Cumbria, in 1956.

Since then, the industry has consistently delivered innovation and investment, created highly skilled careers and provided low carbon power all across the UK.

The potential for nuclear power

The NIA demonstrates the potential for nuclear power across the country, in a number of ways:

• At 2.3 billion tonnes, nuclear has already saved the UK more carbon emissions than any other power source

• It’s efficient: just one nuclear fuel pellet no bigger than a thumbnail can power an electric car for 20,000 miles

• Nuclear power produces less CO2 emissions over its lifecycle than any other electricity source

The future’s bright for nuclear power

As part of the government’s spending review, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, signed off on £14.2bn of investment to build the new Sizewell C nuclear station on the Suffolk coast. The project is expected to span two decades and cost £30bn.

The site will mean the creation of 10,000 direct jobs, as well as thousands more in firms supplying the plant. Once opened, it will generate enough energy to power six million homes, according to estimations by the Treasury.

The role engineering can play in the nuclear industry

At IDH, we’re well positioned to support the growing nuclear industry in the UK. We already provide a range of nuclear engineering services, led by specialists. We’re experienced in paying very careful consideration to the specific requirements of nuclear facilities.

Our work spans a wide range of services, including:

‣ Innovative Formwork and Falsework Design
‣ Structural Steelwork Design and Detailing
‣ Scaffolding Design
‣ Reinforcement Lifting and Stability Checks
‣ Temporary Works Design
‣ Independent (Cat III) Checking
‣ Design Optimisation
‣ Temporary Works Coordinator Support

We’d be happy to share more information and case studies with you, around our work in the nuclear industry.

Please contact us for more information on our nuclear sector work.