The Nuclear Industry Association is the trade association for the civil nuclear industry in the United Kingdom. It represents more than 260 companies across the nuclear supply chain. The diversity of enables effective and constructive industry-wide interaction. It publishes the quarterly magazine, and it represents over 65,000 workers in the industry. The NIA believes nuclear energy is essential to meet the UK's clean energy needs. As part of a diversified energy mix, nuclear-generated energy provides safe and reliable electricity for UK homes, hospitals, schools and industries. Its objectives are to:
Improve the commercial performance of the nuclear industry by supporting member companies develop their businesses in the UK and overseas.
Engage with the public, media and politicians to promote better understanding of nuclear energy and its role within a low carbon energy mix.
Work collaboratively across the nuclear industry to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to young people.
Members
The NIA has more than involved in all aspects of the UK including the operators of the nuclear power stations, those engaged in decommissioning, waste management, nuclear liabilities management and all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear equipment suppliers, engineering and construction firms, nuclear research organisations, and legal, financial and consultancy companies. The subscriptions paid by its members pay for all NIA activity.
Leadership
is the NIA's Chief Executive. Appointed in February 2016, he succeeded Keith Parker who had been Chief Executive for more than a decade. A Board of Directors made up of senior people from across the civil nuclear supply chain and research bodies oversee the direction of the organisation. Lord Hutton of Furness acted as Chairman from 2011 until 2018, and is succeeded by Dr Tim Stone.
Services
The NIA offers a range of services to its members to help improve the commercial performance of the nuclear industry by supporting member companies to develop their business in the UK and overseas. It organises Business Group meetings to help share information and provide networking opportunities for its members. These groups cover:
NIA members can also access a comprehensive Trade Directory, to find products and services from UK-based companies across the nuclear sector.
Conferences
The NIA holds conferences for its members. Its annual conference, will take place on 1 December 2016. The conference was previously known as Energy Choices and #Nuclear – Powering the UK. The conference attracts a wide range of speakers covering all aspects of the nuclear sector and Government. Energy Minister, Andrea Leadsom spoke at the 2015 event. The NIA also holds a biennial Nuclear New Build conference. The two day event will take place in the summer of 2017. This event looks at the progress being made across all new build projects, the opportunities and challenges they face, as well as opportunities for supply chain companies.
re:generation
In order to engage the public on civil nuclear issues and how nuclear compares to other low carbon sources of electricity generation, the NIA runs a campaign called re:generation. The campaign is aimed at school age children and involves classroom based events and talks. Subjects covered include the pros and cons of different sources of energy, how nuclear power works, the types of jobs available in the nuclear sector through the apprenticeship and graduate route, as well as practical sessions on natural radiation and half life. Schools are able to get in touch directly with the NIA to arrange a visit and talk.
Key publications
To help further the interests of the nuclear supply chain and inform people about the nuclear sector the NIA publish several publications. Nuclear Energy Facts provides bitesize and clear information about the nuclear sector in a format accessible to all ages. The outlines the capability of the UK supply chain to deliver nuclear new build. Originally published in 2008 it helped inform the Government's nuclear strategy. It was updated in 2012. The provides lower tier contractors with an introduction to the processes, procedures and working arrangements required to design, construct and commission new nuclear power plant in the UK. is the NIA's membership magazine which covers the latest news and developments within NIA member companies, Government and the industry as a whole.
