Nuclear is back – and likely to stay. 

Leaders in both the public and private sectors are displaying a growing appetite for nuclear power, driven by a confluence of global trends: unstable geopolitical dynamics, rising estimates of future energy consumption, commitments to decarbonization, the AI-driven expansion of data centers, and electrification. At the same time, breakthrough technological advancements, such as next-generation nuclear reactors and small-scale generation, are propelling the market to new heights.

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What We Do

Womble Bond Dickinson offers comprehensive legal guidance tailored to the multifaceted needs of the nuclear energy industry. We provide strategic counsel to utilities exploring plant recommissioning or integration of nuclear power into their resource portfolios, as well as clients investigating behind-the-meter nuclear solutions. Our practice spans the entire fuel cycle, from mining and extraction to conversion, enrichment, and fabrication, ensuring seamless legal support at every stage. For innovators pushing the boundaries of nuclear technology, our robust patent capabilities safeguard intellectual property and facilitate commercialization. Additionally, we navigate the complex landscape of international trade and security regulations, guiding clients operating in the global nuclear market. With our deep industry knowledge and broad legal acumen, we are strongly positioned to address the range of challenges and opportunities facing nuclear energy stakeholders in today's evolving regulatory and business environment.

Who We Serve

  • Fuel technology companies
  • Government agencies
  • Owners and operators
  • Power purchasers
  • Reactor manufacturers and innovators
  • Mining company and uranium processors
  • Sovereign entities
  • Utilities

How We Help

Our experience extends from plant construction to electricity generation and throughout the entire nuclear fuel cycle and supply chain, including mining to conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, and spent fuel disposal.

Transactional

Clients come to us to get deals done.

The WBD team has successfully facilitated a range of complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, involving nuclear assets. We advise on the financing and construction of nuclear reactors, the licensing of nuclear facilities, nuclear trade and investment, and new nuclear reactor design and licensing. We also help clients take advantage of government incentives such as Department of Energy grants, tax credits, and partnerships with national labs. In addition, clients looking to enhance their market presence call on us for assistance with all aspects of commercialization, including investments, joint ventures, and intellectual property transactions.

When the industry is poised to move forward, we keep clients one step ahead. The WBD team can assist with strategic planning for financing options and implementation of small modular reactors (SMR) and microreactor designs, as well as Generation IV reactor designs and related fuel cycle and supply chain issues, including fossil fuel-to-nuclear type facility transitions. Our attorneys possess the experience to effectively counsel clients on issues related to existing Generation II and III reactor designs and related fuel cycle and supply chain issues, including life extension and recommissioning of nuclear sites and supply chain reshoring.  

Regulatory

The regulatory regime surrounding nuclear power is rife with uncertainty. We help clients find a clear path forward.

Our lawyers draw on their deep knowledge to advise on regulatory issues related to nuclear energy including the siting and permitting of nuclear construction at the state level, facility safety, materials security, and incident liability. We also have extensive experience working across borders to resolve issues of foreign and international law. And when existing regulations stand to jeopardize our clients’ work, we advocate tirelessly for their interests before policymakers.

Intellectual Property

WBD's intellectual property attorneys support innovation making nuclear technology safer, more economical, and versatile. As SMRs and microreactors redefine nuclear economics and flexibility, and fusion developments advance, we advise companies at all stages on IP portfolio development and management. We craft robust strategies safeguarding novel ideas across the nuclear spectrum, from evolutionary fission to revolutionary fusion, while navigating complex regulations. For established firms, we offer strategic counsel on technology acquisition, portfolio optimization, and monetization. Our experience fosters next-generation nuclear technologies of all scales, shaping a sustainable, adaptable energy future for diverse global needs.

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What We Do

  • Led a joint venture between Lightbridge, Inc. and Framatome to form Enfission, Inc., including the joint venture agreement, IP licensing, DOE and National Lab testing agreements, and IP strategy and policies. The transaction was selected to be Deal of the Year for the Licensing Executive Society.  
  • Advised on due diligence, non-disclosure agreements, and operating agreements for five proposed nuclear reactors as joint ventures.
  • Advised on environmental matters related to the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant by one of the leading competitive energy providers in the U.S.
  • Advised a nuclear fuel technology development company on potential opportunities, issues, and risks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Advised the Government of Jordan on the adoption and implementation of a transit/transshipment strategic trade control law for nuclear dual use technology.
  • Served as principal drafter for revision of state regulatory statutes to support construction of new nuclear power plants in South Carolina.
  • Led the team that sited two new nuclear units and associated transmission lines for South Carolina Electric & Gas Company.
  • Chaired annual state regulatory proceedings on the progress of the nuclear construction program, including NRC and environmental licensing issues.
  • Served as principal drafter of utility quarterly reports to state regulators on progress of nuclear construction program covering all NRC and construction issues.
  • Supported a client on the remediation of a facility used for the manufacture of nuclear fuel rods.
  • Defended a leading energy provider against claims relating to the operation of the Dresden Generating Station in Illinois.
  • Conducted environmental diligence and assisting on transaction to acquire a nuclear consulting firm focused on licensing, compliance, new reactor compliance, technology selection, critical infrastructure protection, and O&M cost reduction.
  • Provided patent prosecution strategy and advice for a portfolio of nuclear fuel rod patents/patent applications.
  • Provided litigation and strategic advice for falsely alleged co-inventor in Russia, reaching a favorable resolution for client.
  • Advised a client on federal and state regulations related to transportation of imported Uranium Dioxide for domestic enrichment and subsequent commercial reactor fuel.
  • Represented Connecticut Yankee (CY) Atomic Power Company in connection with the default termination of its multi-hundred-million-dollar contract for Bechtel to decommission and demolish CY's nuclear power plant in Haddam Neck, CT.
  • Evaluated potential SMR usage in the mining industry.
  • Advised a regional electric utility on regulatory requirements related to potential participation in new-build nuclear power plant.
  • Prepared a detailed, multi-state analysis on permitting requirements for a “coal-to-nuclear” project – a project that replaces coal-fired generation with nuclear generation using an SMR.