The UK and the US have moved into a new era of collaboration with a historic UK-US nuclear deal to drive forward the construction of new nuclear power plants at pace. The deal is intended to help both nations achieve energy security ambitions, as well as generate thousands of high-skilled jobs and release significant investment in the clean energy industry.
The agreement is set to slash licensing timescales, shortening approval stages from as long as four years to approximately two. This efficient method will allow companies to drive forward nuclear schemes more effectively, helping Britain lead in its drive to increase clean, domestic energy supply and making it an even stronger destination for nuclear investment.
The nuclear growth of the UK is already in place, with more than 11,000 jobs created to date this year alone. New business collaborations between US and UK companies will build momentum, bringing together know-how and assets to offer sustained growth and innovation.
Among the commercial agreements announced:
- X-Energy and Centrica will pursue plans for up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, capable of powering 1.5 million homes and creating around 2,500 jobs.
- Holtec, EDF and Tritax will develop advanced data centers powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire, a project valued at approximately £11 billion.
- Last Energy and DP World will build a micro modular nuclear power station to power the London Gateway port expansion, backed by £80 million in private funding.
- Radiant and Urenco have agreed to a £4 million contract to provide advanced HALEU fuel to the US market, backed by UK government co-funded Advanced Fuels Facility.
- TerraPower and KBR will study and evaluate UK sites for Natrium advanced reactor technology, with each unit expected to support thousands of construction and permanent jobs.
The government has identified this as a crucial step towards its goal of making Britain a clean energy superpower. The UK-US nuclear deal reflects mutual dedication to the development of the use of advanced reactors, facilitating strong supply chains, and reducing reliance on overseas sources of energy.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We’re kickstarting a golden age of nuclear in this country, joining forces with the US to turbocharge new nuclear developments and secure the technologies of the future.”
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright noted: “The United States is ushering in a true nuclear renaissance – harnessing the power of commercial nuclear to meet rising energy demand and fuel the AI revolution.”
The UK-US nuclear partnership is part of a broader Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy. It will enhance collaboration between regulators, extend to fusion research, and strengthen transatlantic supply chains. With state support and strong private funding flowing into the sector, the two countries are poised to take over the next chapter of nuclear development.