Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design 2026

Summary

Whether you are involved with or are looking to enter the future of nuclear energy, this is THE conference to stay up to date and to connect with the engineering community driving the innovation, manufacture and deployment of next-generation reactor technologies.

The advanced nuclear sector is entering a defining period, with major progress now being made across SMRs, AMRs and fusion both in the UK and internationally. Recent months have seen new commitments from Great British Energy - Nuclear, continued progress from Rolls-Royce SMR, increased private investment into reactor developers, supply chain mobilisation, and growing regulatory focus on enabling deployment at pace.

Alongside this renaissance of the UK's nuclear sector, the IMechE's popular Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design conference is poised to once again provide a key forum for reactor developers, OEMs, regulators, government bodies, and the wider supply chain to meet, stay up to date on technical developments and project milestones, understand the regulatory landscape in the UK, and to identify and maximise opportunities.

View the full programme here

Who should attend?

All engineers involved in the development, manufacture and operation of the nuclear reactors across the UK should join and benefit from the learning, knowledge sharing and networking at this growing conference, particularly those working in the areas of:

• Reactor design, manufacturing and development
• Site operation, inspections and maintenance
• Nuclear safety, compliance, and risk
• Fuel procurement, storage, and transportation
• Nuclear project management and procurement
• Commissioning and funding
• New and novel materials development

Companies also involved in the following areas are strongly recommended to send representatives:

• Energy performance certification
• Nuclear safety and regulation
• Utilities and energy networks
• Energy investment
• Nuclear insurance

How will I benefit?

• Deepen your understanding of current SMR (Small Modular Reactor) and AMR (Advanced Modular Reactor) designs and the regulatory landscape.
• Identify and address challenges in design, production, and funding pathways.
• Connect with design leaders to gain insights on future innovations in materials, fuel systems, and design protocols.
• Expand your knowledge of nuclear power’s role in the future of the UK's energy mix.
• Collaborate with peers focused on achieving energy sustainability and security goals.
• Explore the relationship between design legislation and funding opportunities.
• Discover the evolving role of SMRs and AMRs in the nuclear energy sector.
• Learn about cutting-edge technologies and materials in nuclear design from leading research institutions and industry experts.

Key topics

• SMR deployment strategies and project readiness
• Licensing, regulation and siting updates
• Supply chain capability and manufacturing scale-up
• Financing models and investor confidence
• Fusion progress and long-term commercial outlook
• UK leadership in the global advanced nuclear market
• Accelerating deployment pathways for scalable low-carbon nuclear