Nuclear energy

Decommissioning is one of the nuclear industry’s major challenges. Over time, nuclear power stations reach the end of their operational life, and as they often contain radioactive materials, it’s crucial to clean them up to prevent environmental contamination. Decommissioning is highly technical and creates thousands of jobs, including Nuclear Engineers, Radiological Protection Officers, and Project Managers, as well as supporting roles like Sustainability Officers and Human Resources Officers.  

The process is lengthy, in part due to stringent safety measures, and can be a significant source of employment for generations. Since 2010, 26 power stations have closed, which equates to 20% of the UK’s generation capacity. By 2030, a further 35% of existing generation capacity will close down. Sellafield nuclear site, for example, is expected to take another 100 years to fully decommission and employs 11,000 people, supporting many more jobs through its supply chain. 

Another challenge in the nuclear industry is radioactive waste management. Although nuclear power stations generate a lot of clean, reliable energy, they also produce radioactive material that must be carefully managed to avoid environmental contamination. Like decommissioning, managing radioactive waste is a major job creator, employing people from those operating robots to remove waste, to those developing innovative solutions to streamline the process. 

The nuclear industry also faces the challenges of an ageing workforce, with 33.5% of workers aged 50 and over, 44% aged 30-49, and only 22.5% aged 20-29. To address this, the industry is focused on developing young talent by offering opportunities to gain the necessary skills. Various organisations provide internships, apprenticeships, and graduate training schemes to help young people build careers in the nuclear industry and contribute to achieving net zero by 2050. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is a leader in this effort, investing millions of pounds annually in their early careers programme, which supports hundreds of apprentices and graduates gaining experience in the nuclear sector. 

It is easy to be intimidated by nuclear energy due to daunting concepts like radiation and accidents. However, the nuclear industry has many of the most stringent safety procedures in the world and heavily focuses on sustainability and the safe management of waste.  

Decommissioning nuclear sites is a key, stand-alone area of the industry that focuses on delivering environmental remediation, supporting the nuclear industry as a whole to provide efficient, clean energy. 

Decommissioning is essential for reducing the environmental impact of old nuclear sites and supports the safe removal of waste from functioning sites. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) leads this effort, managing a £4 billion annual programme focused on hazard reduction and waste management, allowing for environmental protection and land repurposing for new energy uses. This mission not only protects the environment but also supports thousands of jobs directly and indirectly. 

By cleaning up old sites, decommissioning not only contributes to cleaning up the environment but also deeply supports the rest of the industry. Decommissioning is the foundation of the nuclear industry. It operates both as an industry in its own right, and provides a platform for new nuclear to meet energy needs in a long-lasting, efficient and sustainable manner. 

The NDA group exemplifies the nuclear industry’s commitment to sustainability. The NDA contributes to 17 Sustainable Development Goals, delivering a £4 billion annual programme of hazard reduction and waste management, employing around 17,000 people, and maintaining a supply chain of up to 5,000 companies. They manage and protect 5,000 hectares of land, home to valuable habitats, and have invested £50 million in socio-economic projects over the last four years. The NDA focuses on reducing hazards, protecting the environment, supporting people and communities, and strengthening the supply chain. Similar efforts are being made across the nuclear industry, ensuring a sustainable and positive legacy for the future. 

There are diverse opportunities across the nuclear industry as it is going through a period of growth, and roles are available all over the UK. People working in the nuclear industry can expect job stability and a role that contributes meaningfully to society, as well as a good salary, demonstrated below: 

• Nuclear Engineer: £28,000- £58,000+. Read more in the NDA job profile.
• Nuclear Technician: £24,000 – £43,000+ 
• Health and Safety Advisor: £22,000 – £50,000+ 
• Energy Engineer: £20,000 – £50,000+ 
• Environmental Consultant: £25,000 – £50,000+
• Business Project Manager: £29,000 – £75,000+ 
• Environmental Monitoring Officer: £25,000 – £70,000+.  Read more in the NDA job profile. 

• Power On Publishing, (2023) Power On: A Beginner’s Guide to the Nuclear Industry. Independent Publishing Network.  

• NDA group showcases progress on sustainability – GOV.UK 

• What is nuclear energy? | Why is nuclear a clean energy? | National Grid Group 

• Nuclear Power in a Clean Energy System – Analysis – IEA 

• Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) – Sustainable development and nuclear energy 

• Nuclear Industry Association Jobs Map 2024  

• Nuclear Skills Plan 

• Getting a graduate job in nuclear energy, Prospects.ac.uk