ALTEN analyses major trends in the nuclear industry and the dynamics at work in the sector
On the occasion of the World Nuclear Exhibition 2025, ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology consulting, is publishing a special report analyzing the major trends and prospects for the nuclear sector. Drawing on its multidisciplinary expertise, the Group deciphers the technical, human, and industrial developments shaping the French and international nuclear industry, from the extension of existing infrastructure to the emergence of new generations of reactors.
Six key trends shaping the future of nuclear power
In a context where energy sovereignty, decarbonization, and industrial resilience have once again become strategic priorities, ALTEN has identified six major dynamics that are shaping the future of the sector:
- Extension and modernisation: The renovation of historic facilities (predictive maintenance, I&C systems, compliance upgrades) is a major driver of performance and safety.
- Technological innovation: More flexible, modular, and secure, these reactors are ushering in a new era of carbon-free power generation.
- Digitalisation and AI: Digital twins and AI enable maintenance to be optimized, risks to be anticipated, and the availability of facilities to be improved.
- Training and skills : The sector’s sustainability depends on intergenerational transmission and the development of technical and digital skills.
- Resilience and cybersecurity: In the face of growing threats, protecting critical systems is becoming an absolute necessity.
- Energy transition: Through its complementarity with renewable energies, nuclear power remains a key asset in achieving climate goals and ensuring security of supply.
A Group at the heart of the nuclear value chain
ALTEN brings together the complementary expertise of its Worldgrid and Anotech entities to support major players in the nuclear industry. Our teams combine multidisciplinary engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical), secure system digitalization (I&C, OT cybersecurity) and operational excellence in the field (construction, commissioning). From design to commissioning, ALTEN provides a comprehensive, reliable solution tailored to the nuclear sector’s critical challenges.
Nuclear civil engineering
ALTEN provides full civil engineering support, from design to execution. We bring technical precision and cross-functional expertise to every stage of nuclear construction, including design management, anchoring studies, steelwork and contract management. Our teams work on major programs such as EPR2 and Hinkley Point C, ensuring quality, safety and on-time delivery.
Execution of international energy projects
Through its specialized entity Anotech, ALTEN provides end-to-end management of energy projects, from construction to commissioning. We combine robust project management and technical expertise to streamline execution, secure supply chains, reduce risks and ensure safe, efficient results that meet client expectations.
Critical systems engineering
Worldgrid provides full support throughout the entire lifecycle of critical systems, including design, qualification, deployment and maintenance. With over 40 years of nuclear expertise, Worldgrid ensures that components meet the strictest standards, minimize risk and optimize performance, ensuring safety, reliability and compliance in critical environments.
Aging management and compliance (DAPE)
ALTEN supports nuclear operators in managing equipment aging and regulatory compliance, enabling the extension of power plants’ operational lifespans. Our Nuclear Services Platform is the leader in France for drafting operational life extension dossiers (Dossiers d’Aptitude à la Poursuite d’Exploitation) and coordinating technical compliance reviews (Revues de Conformité Technique).
Smart nuclear I&C solutions
Worldgrid designs, integrates and maintains I&C systems that comply with the strictest standards. As an agnostic integrator, ALTEN offers proprietary or third-party solutions (ADACS-N, other systems) over the long term, ensuring safety, compliance and operational performance.
Secure digital transformation of the nuclear industry
Worldgrid leads digital transformation initiatives that combine industrial, IT and OT expertise. We help operators modernize their operations and extend the life of their plants through secure IT/OT integration and cybersecurity programs aligned with NIST CSF and IEC 62443, ensuring resilience, security and value creation through digital transformation.
Engineering project performance
ALTEN acts as the backbone of governance, providing strategic contract management and multidisciplinary expertise for complex programs such as EPR2. We guarantee design maturity, milestone adherence and project reliability, helping clients maintain quality, control costs and secure interfaces.
“The nuclear industry is entering a phase of renaissance, and ALTEN is a key player in this transformation. Our mission is to combine engineering rigor, digital innovation, and operational excellence to support our partners in this transformation. Thanks to the synergy of our expertise, data analysis, and predictive approaches, we are helping to make the industry safer, more efficient, and more sustainable,” says Stéphane Ougier, Executive Director of ALTEN.
