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Nuclear

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Advisors as specialist as your projects

As nuclear continues to accelerate the drive towards energy security and a low carbon future, you need legal advice that is as specialist as your projects. As an international, full-service nuclear energy law firm, we're one of very few teams who can provide the expertise you need to support your projects anywhere in the world.

We know that nuclear is a separate, core driver of the energy transition. We've developed our expertise from the ground up, never as an add on to other practices but as a standalone specialism, ensuring the advice we give is both technically excellent and tailored to your needs.

For the whole nuclear lifecycle

Mining to enrichment. Licensing to permitting. Construction to operation. Financing to decommissioning. Our nuclear energy lawyers are here to advise you on every stage of a project's lifecycle.

Advising on sophisticated new build projects that incorporate the exciting developments in small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors, we're striving forward with you and have a front row seat to the nuclear industry's revitalisation.

The nuclear sector is global. So are we

Governments, financiers, technology vendors, contractors, exporters, owners, operators and nuclear liability insurers – they all trust us to advise on some of the most ambitious new-build projects in the world. We help clients navigate risk, always with the aim of ensuring project viability and success.

As nuclear continues to accelerate the drive towards energy security and a low carbon future, you need legal advice that is as specialist as your projects. As an international, full-service nuclear energy law firm, we're one of very few teams who can provide the expertise you need to support your projects anywhere in the world.

We know that nuclear is a separate, core driver of the energy transition. We've developed our expertise from the ground up, never as an add on to other practices but as a standalone specialism, ensuring the advice we give is both technically excellent and tailored to your needs.

For the whole nuclear lifecycle

Mining to enrichment. Licensing to permitting. Construction to operation. Financing to decommissioning. Our nuclear energy lawyers are here to advise you on every stage of a project's lifecycle.

Advising on sophisticated new build projects that incorporate the exciting developments in small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors, we're striving forward with you and have a front row seat to the nuclear industry's revitalisation.

The nuclear sector is global. So are we

Governments, financiers, technology vendors, contractors, exporters, owners, operators and nuclear liability insurers – they all trust us to advise on some of the most ambitious new-build projects in the world. We help clients navigate risk, always with the aim of ensuring project viability and success.

2024

Leading firm for renewables advisory in Inspiratia's Energy Transition League Table Q1 2024

3

Ranked Band 3 for Energy and Natural Resources: UK Power by Chambers & Partners UK 2024

500

Energy team shortlisted for Best Law Firm Advisory Team: Clean Energy in The Legal 500 ESG Awards 2024

4

Ranked Band 4 for Energy and Natural Resources: UK Power by Chambers Global 2024

Regulatory, licensing & compliance

We provide strategic guidance on nuclear regulatory frameworks, licensing, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Our expert team supports clients with end-to-end licensing for nuclear projects, facilities, and technologies and offers deep experience in navigating regulatory approvals within electricity markets. We also advise on environmental impact assessments, import/export controls for nuclear materials and technology, and compliance with national and international obligations.

Regulatory, licensing & compliance

We provide strategic guidance on nuclear regulatory frameworks, licensing, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Our expert team supports clients with end-to-end licensing for nuclear projects, facilities, and technologies and offers deep experience in navigating regulatory approvals within electricity markets. We also advise on environmental impact assessments, import/export controls for nuclear materials and technology, and compliance with national and international obligations.

Project delivery and contracting

Project delivery and contracting

Our team has successfully negotiated complex engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts for new-build nuclear reactors and offers deep expertise in structuring Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) models, fuel supply arrangements, operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts, and training frameworks. We also lead contract administration and claims management for major global vendors and operators.

Full operational support

Full operational support

From governance, planning, and compliance oversight to M&A, restructuring, and risk management, we help align your operations with regulatory expectations and business objectives. We also advise on power purchase agreements and contracts for difference, support post-event reviews and corrective action planning, and assist with every stage of the fuel cycle— including uranium mining, fuel supply, transportation, and waste management.

Supply chain and procurement

Supply chain and procurement

We support clients in managing supply chain complexity and executing procurement strategies across borders, including long-lead item acquisition, subcontractor engagement, and vendor risk allocation. Our deep understanding of nuclear-qualified supply chain requirements enables us to deliver practical, compliant, and commercially-sound solutions.

Decommissioning and end-of-life planning

Decommissioning and end-of-life planning

We advise across the full lifespan of nuclear facilities, including decommissioning planning, environmental compliance, waste management obligations, and liability structuring. Whether you're winding down operations or planning for post-closure stewardship, we help manage legal and regulatory risks with clarity and foresight.

Nuclear consulting

Nuclear consulting

Our consulting services combine the strength of our top-ranked legal team with the insight of senior executives, engineers, financiers, and operators who have delivered nuclear programmes worldwide. We offer an integrated platform that turns nuclear policy and strategy into safe, secure, and operational reality—across power generation, isotopes, research, and transportation—in Canada and worldwide.

Medical isotopes and emerging nuclear applications

Medical isotopes and emerging nuclear applications

Working closely with members of our global Life Sciences Group, we support clients at the cutting edge of nuclear innovation, including the development, licensing, and commercialisation of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. Our services span IP strategy, compliance, clinical trial agreements, and commercial structuring for advanced nuclear technologies in health care and industry.

Key experience

nuclear_chimney

ENEC

ENEC

Counselled on governance and management systems for the Barakah new build project in the United Arab Emirates.
Nuclear Sector Page 1

The UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and group companies

The UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and group companies

Advised on a range of matters relating to the decommissioning of the UK's legacy civil nuclear power stations.
nuclear_reaction1

Hinckley Point C Contractors

Hinckley Point C Contractors

Counselled various Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors on contracts for the new nuclear power station in the England.
Nuclear Sector Page 2

Darlington New Nuclear Project partners

Darlington New Nuclear Project partners

Supported GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), SNC-Lavalin and Aecon on a contract for the deployment of a BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) at OPG's site. The contract is an integrated project delivery model adopting alliancing principles, under which the four parties adopt a "no blame" culture to maximise success.
nuclear_chimney

ENEC

ENEC

Counselled on governance and management systems for the Barakah new build project in the United Arab Emirates.
Nuclear Sector Page 1

The UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and group companies

The UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and group companies

Advised on a range of matters relating to the decommissioning of the UK's legacy civil nuclear power stations.
nuclear_reaction1

Hinckley Point C Contractors

Hinckley Point C Contractors

Counselled various Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors on contracts for the new nuclear power station in the England.
Nuclear Sector Page 2

Darlington New Nuclear Project partners

Darlington New Nuclear Project partners

Supported GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), SNC-Lavalin and Aecon on a contract for the deployment of a BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) at OPG's site. The contract is an integrated project delivery model adopting alliancing principles, under which the four parties adopt a "no blame" culture to maximise success.
nuclear_chimney

ENEC

ENEC

Counselled on governance and management systems for the Barakah new build project in the United Arab Emirates.
Nuclear Sector Page 1

The UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and group companies

The UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and group companies

Advised on a range of matters relating to the decommissioning of the UK's legacy civil nuclear power stations.
nuclear_reaction1

Hinckley Point C Contractors

Hinckley Point C Contractors

Counselled various Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors on contracts for the new nuclear power station in the England.
Nuclear Sector Page 2

Darlington New Nuclear Project partners

Darlington New Nuclear Project partners

Supported GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), SNC-Lavalin and Aecon on a contract for the deployment of a BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) at OPG's site. The contract is an integrated project delivery model adopting alliancing principles, under which the four parties adopt a "no blame" culture to maximise success.
nuclear_chimney

ENEC

ENEC

Counselled on governance and management systems for the Barakah new build project in the United Arab Emirates.

Key contacts

Robert Armour

Robert Armour

Senior Counsel

Chair of UK Nuclear Practice

London
Paul Green

Paul Green

Partner

Leader of Nuclear Sector (UK)

Birmingham, London
View our team
Nuclear - in-page - image

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Gowling WLG is an international law firm comprising the members of Gowling WLG International Limited, an English Company Limited by Guarantee, and their respective affiliates. Each member and affiliate is an autonomous and independent entity. Gowling WLG International Limited promotes, facilitates and co-ordinates the activities of its members but does not itself provide services to clients. Our structure is explained in more detail on our Legal Information page.

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