Building public trust in UK nuclear

Backing Britain’s nuclear sector

Copper is helping deliver the future of UK nuclear, turning complex projects into compelling national missions and trusted local initiatives. From public trust to political advocacy, we unlock the conditions for consent and delivery.

Nuclear is not just about building reactors. From small modular reactors to waste and decommissioning, every project is a test of trust. We turn technical ambition into public understanding, political will and lasting local benefit.

Supporting nuclear grow significantly

Our research shows that, although awareness of nuclear remains limited, support grows significantly with clear, confident communication.

Nearly half of the UK population supports new nuclear facilities, and 44% of people see nuclear as a safe energy source. From Horizon to NuGen, and through our work with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory and others, we translate technical ambition into trusted narratives that build understanding, shape opinion and unlock delivery.

NuGen

The Copper team led a public consultation for the 3.4-GW Moorside nuclear power station project, securing a DCO. Via our dedicated contact centre and online feedback system, we engaged with over 4500 people at more than 60 consultation events across Cumbria, collecting in excess of 0.5 million words of feedback. This comprehensive approach informed significant scheme design improvements and prepared the project for DCO submission, ultimately raising local awareness and enhancing community understanding of the project’s scale and benefits.

Raising local awareness and understanding

Western Gateway

Copper developed a focused communications strategy that positioned Western Gateway’s Severn Edge site as the frontrunner for the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant. We secured vital cross-party political support by leveraging, and expanding, our political contacts. Copper used a mixture of direct messaging and networking (including a drinks reception attended by 18 MPs and Peers) to ensure the Severn Edge bid was part of the Westminster conversation. Soon after, Western Gateway secured formal support from the Welsh Office as well as Minister of State endorsement, gaining first-mover advantage in a highly competitive selection process, which in turn promoted strong, visible political backing.

Gaining first-mover advantage

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Copper’s in-house editorial team of CIEP-accredited editors and professional writers transformed complex technical material into accessible content for diverse audiences, crafting communications around the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s Strategy 5 Document, reflecting 24 expert voices in a single, clear narrative to inform stakeholders on nuclear site management. We also developed multi-authored content explaining how nuclear sites can return to beneficial use via sustainable waste practices. Copper focused on low-level radioactive waste reuse, rewriting non-technical guidance while linking to specialist details. Our creative team of experienced designers produced a final document that clearly communicated complex nuclear concepts to a general audience.

Creating compelling nuclear concepts