The agreements are intended to support research activities, fuel qualification programmes and manufacturing capabilities needed for the future deployment of advanced modular reactors. AMRs are being developed to provide low-carbon heat and power for industrial, defence and off-grid applications. The technology is aimed at delivering a compact and adaptable energy solution while contributing to decarbonisation efforts and strengthening energy security. Through the UK Japan Nuclear Agreements, the three organisations will combine expertise and technical resources to address key development challenges associated with advanced reactor systems and fuel technologies.

Chris Cholerton, Group President, Rolls-Royce, said: “Our two agreements with UKNNL and JAEA are a milestone moment for the UK’s nuclear sector. Strengthening existing relationships between our nations and combining our broad nuclear capability, they will enable us to jointly address technical challenges and accelerate the development of Advanced Modular Reactors and their advanced coated particle fuel, to deliver industrial growth, skilled jobs and energy security for our nations.”

In addition to technology development, the organisations will collaborate on innovation initiatives, workforce skills programmes and access to specialist facilities to reinforce the UK’s advanced nuclear supply chain and technical capabilities. The UK Japan Nuclear Agreements also align with Rolls-Royce’s broader strategy to expand its nuclear activities beyond small modular reactors while exploring opportunities within the emerging AMR market.

Located on the North Sea coast, Sizewell B delivers nearly 1.2 gigawatts of electricity to the national grid and remains the UK’s only pressurised-water reactor. EDF noted that recent fluctuations in energy markets have highlighted the need for a structure that can limit commercial risks and provide sufficient certainty for long-term investment decisions. The company stated: “Volatility in the energy markets over the past few years has reinforced the importance of securing a suitable model to reduce commercial risks and enable that investment decision.”

Centrica holds a 20% interest in Britain’s existing nuclear fleet through its stake in EDF Energy’s UK nuclear generation business, which includes Sizewell B. Earlier this year, EDF’s UK business said that extending the station’s operating life was technically achievable and confirmed that discussions with the government were underway to secure the investment needed to proceed with the project.

Reports indicated that EDF and Centrica are nearing a draft agreement with the UK government regarding the future of the Sizewell B Nuclear Plant. According to those reports, the companies are close to reaching a heads of terms agreement with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with a formal announcement expected within weeks. The proposed arrangement would provide the framework necessary to advance the life-extension programme and support continued nuclear power generation from the facility over the coming decades.

Located in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh Region, near the borders with Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, the facility will incorporate a combination of large-scale and small modular reactor technologies. The design includes two large reactors capable of producing approximately 1,000 megawatts each, alongside two small modular reactors with an output of about 55 megawatts each. The Uzbekistan Nuclear Plant is expected to provide roughly 15% of the country’s electricity requirements once operational. Construction is being carried out by Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom using Russian technology and financing support, including a Russian loan package.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Putin highlighted the significance of the project for bilateral relations. He stated, “The fact that Russia and Uzbekistan are implementing such a truly flagship, high-tech project is a vivid example of the friendship and alliance between our two countries and demonstrates the successful and dynamic development of the Russian-Uzbek strategic partnership.” The initiative further strengthens cooperation between Moscow and Tashkent in the energy sector while introducing advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, into Uzbekistan’s power mix.

The project follows another major regional nuclear agreement reached last month, when Russia signed a deal with Kazakhstan to build that country’s first nuclear power plant at an estimated cost of about $16.5 billion, partly financed through a significant Russian export loan. The Uzbekistan Nuclear Plant also reflects Moscow’s continued engagement in Central Asia, a region rich in energy resources and critical minerals, as Russia seeks to maintain its influence while both China and the United States continue expanding their presence across the region.

Valid for a period of five years, the agreement sets out a framework for the exchange of safety-related regulatory information across the entire nuclear lifecycle from siting, construction, and commissioning through to operations, decommissioning, and waste management. The MoU also covers the regulation of radioactive material transport, radioactive sources, emergency preparedness, and regulatory considerations around new reactor technologies. Both parties have agreed to implement a workplan that identifies specific focus areas for collaboration, desired outcomes, and arrangements for personnel exchanges and technical visits aimed at developing regulatory capability on both sides.

“Sharing licensing frameworks, inspection procedures, safety assessments and research helps ensure that robust regulatory standards keep pace with technological development, wherever in the world that development is happening,” ONR stated. The regulator added that the agreement forms part of its commitment to supporting nations embarking on nuclear energy deployment and contributing to worldwide nuclear harmonisation, and that it was pleased to walk the Singapore delegation through its assessment and licensing processes as Singapore works to establish its own nuclear regulatory framework.

For Singapore, the nuclear regulation MoU with ONR supports the NEA’s wider effort to build domestic capabilities in nuclear safety and to study the feasibility of safely deploying nuclear energy in the city-state. “The MoU with the United Kingdom’s Office for Nuclear Regulation will strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in radiation protection, nuclear safety and assessment,” said Koh. “Through partnerships with well-established regulators like ONR, NEA will deepen its technical expertise to understand new reactor technologies and build the institutional capabilities needed to rigorously assess nuclear safety.”

The NEA, which serves as Singapore’s radiation and nuclear safety regulator, has been developing nuclear safety capabilities through engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency and established regulatory bodies in Finland, France, and the United States, as well as regional neighbours involved in nuclear safety cooperation discussions.

In March 2022, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) released a report concluding that nuclear energy could supply approximately 10% of the country’s energy needs, helping its power sector achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In September of the previous year, the EMA appointed UK-headquartered engineering firm Mott MacDonald to conduct a study on the safety and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies including small modular reactors evaluating their safety performance based on safety features, technology maturity, and commercial readiness.

During his Budget 2025 speech delivered in February 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, confirmed that the government would study the potential deployment of nuclear power and take systematic steps to build capabilities in this area. “We will need new capabilities to evaluate options, and to consider if there is a solution that Singapore can deploy in a safe and cost-effective way,” he said.

The newly released Request for Qualifications builds on Requests for Information issued by the authority last year, to which more than 30 entities responded among them 23 potential developers or partners and eight Upstate New York communities. The RFQ is designed to identify a qualified set of developers capable of delivering an advanced nuclear generation project through two possible technology pathways: a large-scale reactor, “such as the AP1000,” and/or a small modular reactor “such as the BWRX-300.”

Respondents are required to present “credible pathways” to deliver at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York. These submissions must address technology readiness, siting and permitting strategy, schedule and cost assumptions, ownership structures, and partnership models. Firms that are successfully qualified will subsequently be invited to take part in a future Request for Proposal process.

The authority confirmed it would consider so-called nth-of-a-kind Generation III+ or Generation IV technologies, on the condition that a first-of-a-kind project either by the respondent or by another owner or developer is “at or beyond First Nuclear Concrete by early 2030.” The selected pathway must also “demonstrate a credible path to both produce 1+ GW of energy and start construction before 2033,” a requirement tied to eligibility for investment tax credits under the US Inflation Reduction Act. First-of-a-kind technologies and micro modular reactors fall outside the scope of this initiative. All bidders are expected to hold “commensurate experience,” and the submission deadline is 26 June.

The second solicitation takes the form of a Request for Applications directed at eligible training providers based in New York State. Selected providers will be able to apply for funding to develop and deliver technical training programmes under the Nuclear Energy Workforce Training initiative. The deadline for submissions under this RFA is 31 July.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the announcements, stating: “Nearly a year ago, I called on the Power Authority to lay the groundwork for the next era of emissions-free power in New York as part of my all-of-the-above approach to energy. The solicitations announced today will help ensure New York is poised to lead the nation in new nuclear development, that along with renewables, will provide needed power in the face of increasing demand to keep the lights on while helping keep costs down. By taking a proactive approach, we are preparing our state to take advantage of the opportunities associated with advanced nuclear, which will provide round-the-clock reliable clean energy while cultivating the partnerships needed to bring the project from concept to concrete.”

New York Power Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Justin Driscoll added: “New York needs reliable, around-the-clock clean power to meet growing energy demand, sustain economic momentum, and achieve a clean energy economy. These solicitations will help NYPA establish the roadmap for deploying the first new nuclear facility in New York in a generation that will deliver the dependable, emissions-free power we will rely on for decades to come.”

New York currently has four nuclear reactors in operation, all run by Constellation Energy, which together account for approximately 21.4% of all electricity generated in the state and 41.6% of its carbon-free electricity supply, according to data from the Nuclear Energy Institute. The State of New York has already backed the continued operation of these facilities two units at Nine Mile Point and the single-unit Ginna and Fitzpatrick plants by formally recognising their zero-carbon attributes within its clean energy mandate.

The two pressurised water reactors at the Indian Point plant were shut down ahead of schedule in 2020 and 2021 respectively, following a settlement agreement between the plants’ then-owner Entergy and the State of New York. Earlier this year, New York Congressman Mike Lawler called for those units to be returned to service.

Designated as the “Nuclear Industry Development Plan (2026-2030),” the initiative establishes a five-year roadmap emphasizing safety and innovation. The framework is the first comprehensive directive established under the Ordinance on the Promotion and Support of the Nuclear Industry. The policy directly responds to the rapid global reorganization prioritizing small modular reactors while advancing the complete decommissioning project for Korea’s first commercial reactor, Kori Unit 1.

In the area of talent development, the strategy focuses on cultivating field-oriented specialists to support the physical expansion of the Kori Unit 1 decommissioning project. The blueprint establishes a direct supply system for specialized personnel capable of responding to new operational demands within radioactive waste management and facility decommissioning, alongside standard reactor operations. Building this dedicated workforce guarantees high regulatory standards and operational safety for radioactive waste management across the region.

To solidify its position as a primary nuclear power hub, Busan will concentrate next-generation infrastructure around a newly established manufacturing support center for auxiliary equipment. The local government aims to strengthen corporate competitiveness by assisting nuclear equipment companies with acquiring necessary international certifications, linking operations to policy financing, and supporting comprehensive business diversification.

This full-cycle support system is explicitly designed to ensure that local nuclear equipment companies secure export competitiveness and successfully enter expanding global markets. Furthermore, an industry-academia-research-government cooperation system will be formalized through an operational industry council, new export networks, and the creation of a dedicated promotion center designed to improve public acceptance and expand the broader industrial ecosystem.

Hosting six of the country’s 26 operating reactors, Busan currently operates as the most concentrated nuclear power hub in South Korea. The city’s existing geographic density and industrial infrastructure firmly position it to lead the transition into next-generation systems and related high-value export sectors.

The strategic nuclear industry development framework aims to evolve the region beyond its legacy large-reactor-centered structure into a definitive, modern innovation center. Kim Ki-hwan, head of the city’s Citizen Safety Office, stated, “We will actively support Busan’s leap into a global nuclear industry hub by developing SMRs, reactor decommissioning, and export industries as core future growth axes.”

The core of this nuclear energy cooperation involves a commitment to a broader research and development framework. By establishing periodic meetings, both governments intend to create a consistent flow of information. Belgium, which currently manages a larger fleet of operational nuclear power plants, will offer its extensive industrial experience to the partnership. In exchange, the Netherlands will share its recent progress and procedural insights regarding the construction of new facilities and the implementation of small modular reactors.

A major component of the MoU is the alignment of private sectors and research institutions. The governments plan to organize innovation missions to help organizations within the nuclear supply chain identify opportunities for mutual growth. Beyond technical hardware, the partnership emphasizes human capital. Projections suggest that the construction phase of upcoming projects will require approximately 10,000 workers at peak times, with a steady average of 5,000 employees throughout the process. To meet this demand, the two countries will explore joint training initiatives to ensure a high level of specialized skills within the workforce.

The collaboration also extends to the back-end of the fuel cycle. Both nations have committed to developing shared strategies for the management, storage, and permanent disposal of radioactive waste. According to Minister Mathieu Bihet, future projects in the region necessitate strong value chains and high-level expertise. He noted that by joining forces, the two countries contribute to a more innovative and independent ecosystem for the continent.

The Netherlands is currently pursuing a strategy to increase energy independence by integrating more nuclear capacity into its national energy mix. State Secretary Jo-Annes de Bat highlighted that cooperation with neighboring states is essential in a sector characterized by rapid development and high knowledge density. The Dutch government has previously outlined plans for two new large-scale reactors, expected to be operational by 2035, while also preparing for the potential integration of small modular reactors.

Belgium has similarly adjusted its legislative landscape to support the continued use of nuclear power plants. Following the repeal of a 2003 phase-out law, the Belgian government reached agreements to extend the operations of its newest reactors for an additional decade. Furthermore, the state has entered discussions regarding direct ownership of its reactor fleet to ensure that all strategic options for decommissioning and future operations remain available to the government.

Subject to a final investment decision expected in 2027, the first plant is planned for a Blue Energy site in Texas, with the primary aim of supplying power to a nearby data center campus.

A Two-Phase Approach to Power Delivery

The two companies have already signed a slot reservation agreement for the delivery of two GE Vernova 7HA.02 gas turbines to the Texas site in 2029. These turbines are intended to support what the companies refer to as “early site energization,” establishing an initial power foundation before nuclear capacity comes online.

Blue Energy expects the gas turbines to provide approximately 1 gigawatt of power as early as 2030. The steam supply would then transition and scale up to deliver approximately 1.5 gigawatts of nuclear power as the BWRX-300 small modular reactors come online, targeted for as early as 2032.

Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova’s Power Segment, stated, “Combining our industry-leading HA gas turbines with the BWRX-300, the only small modular nuclear reactor under construction in the Western world today, provides an effective solution aimed to meet the demands of rapid AI expansion in the United States while decreasing time to power.”

Rethinking Nuclear Construction Timelines

A central element of this collaboration is Blue Energy’s proprietary construction methodology, which received approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in December last year. The NRC approved the company’s licensing topical report covering an approach to “resequencing” the traditional phases of nuclear plant construction.

Under this model, Blue Energy separates the construction of nuclear and non-nuclear portions of the gas-plus-nuclear plant. The process begins with off-site fabrication and on-site installation of non-nuclear, non-safety-significant infrastructure. This sequencing allows fabrication and site energization to begin while the nuclear components continue through their respective licensing and construction phases.

Blue Energy claims this approach can accelerate deployment of new nuclear power plants by trimming at least five years off the conventional nuclear construction timeline, targeting a time to power of 48 months or less, supported by a natural gas bridge to full nuclear capacity.

Modular Construction to Reduce Costs

Beyond the construction timeline, GE Vernova and Blue Energy are also exploring contracting and off-site construction methods for large power plant modules consistent with the BWRX-300 design. The goal is to reduce capital costs and accelerate off-site prefabrication supply chains, making the nuclear power plant model more financially accessible and replicable.

Regulatory Milestones Ahead

The two companies anticipate entering into a further agreement to conduct preliminary safety analysis work at the Texas site. This work, along with development and site characterization activities, is intended to support a nuclear construction permit application that Blue Energy expects to file with the NRC in 2027.

Blue Energy co-founder and CEO Jake Jurewicz said, “Blue Energy and GE Vernova can unlock a blueprint for how to scale nuclear energy, power American communities, and fuel global AI leadership faster, more affordably, and without burdening ratepayers.”

GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik added, “Innovative projects like this one will help advance the future of nuclear power and meet the surging demand for electricity. We are proud that our collaboration with Blue Energy and others in the entrepreneurial community will play an increasingly important role in accelerating America’s next era of energy leadership.”

The Texas-based gas-plus-nuclear plant, leveraging the BWRX-300 small modular reactor alongside proven gas turbine technology, represents a closely watched development in the effort to bring new nuclear power plant capacity online faster and at lower cost in the United States.

Strategic Framework and Policy Direction

The forthcoming Canada nuclear strategy, being developed by Natural Resources Canada, is expected to be released by the end of 2026. It is structured around four core pillars designed to accelerate nuclear deployment and industrial growth:

• Enabling new nuclear builds across Canada, including both small and large-scale projects
• Positioning Canada as a global supplier and exporter of nuclear technology and services
• Expanding uranium production and strengthening nuclear fuel supply capabilities
• Advancing next-generation nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors, and fusion

The government highlighted that the global nuclear market could grow by up to CAD200 billion annually by 2030, reinforcing the strategic importance of scaling domestic capabilities while capturing export opportunities.

From an industry standpoint, Power Info Today observes that the structured multi-pillar approach aligns capital deployment, trade strategy, and innovation pathways into a unified policy framework, reducing fragmentation across Canada’s nuclear value chain.

Investment and Financial Commitments

A key component of the strategy is targeted public investment to support both infrastructure and innovation. The federal government has committed CAD2.2 billion over 10 years to modernise research infrastructure at Chalk River Laboratories. This includes development of the Advanced Materials Research Centre and upgrades to critical laboratory facilities to support reactor technology, fuel development, and safety research.

In parallel, the Department of National Defence is allocating over CAD40 million in the 2026–2027 fiscal year to evaluate the feasibility of deploying Canadian-controlled microreactors. This builds on earlier investments, including CAD6 million in 2025–2026 directed toward research and development activities.

Microreactor Deployment and Operational Impact

The microreactor feasibility programme, delivered in collaboration with Department of National Defence and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, is designed to assess whether next-generation reactors can provide reliable heat and electricity to remote and northern defence installations.

This initiative reflects operational priorities tied to energy resilience in off-grid regions, where energy costs remain high and supply stability is limited. The programme also has potential applications beyond defence, including industrial sites and remote communities requiring continuous, low-emission power.

Supply Chain and Export Positioning

The strategy places strong emphasis on leveraging Canada’s uranium resources to support allied nuclear expansion. Canada accounted for approximately 24% of global uranium production in 2024, with around 90% of output exported for use in nuclear power generation.

The government aims to strengthen its position across the nuclear supply chain by aligning trade policy tools, including export financing and international market development support. This includes coordination with agencies such as the Trade Commissioner Service and Export Development Canada to target high-growth markets.

Market Relevance and Strategic Outlook

Canada’s nuclear sector currently contributes CAD22 billion annually to the national economy and generates approximately 13% of electricity through 17 CANDU reactors operating in Ontario and New Brunswick. The strategy is expected to further integrate nuclear energy into national electrification efforts while supporting grid expansion and long-term energy security.

As global momentum builds toward tripling nuclear capacity by 2050, Canada’s policy direction signals a dual focus on domestic deployment and international competitiveness. The Canada nuclear strategy is positioned to play a central role in aligning infrastructure investment, innovation, and export growth within the country’s broader energy transition framework.

The Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency said the expansion reflects projections of rising consumption nationwide. It stated that “given the projected growth in electricity consumption, a project to build a fourth plant is envisaged, which will fully meet the growing needs of the economy and the population for reliable and environmentally-friendly energy”. In parallel, the agency noted that “options for constructing SMR-based nuclear power plants in suitable regions of the country will also be considered, taking into account technological and economic feasibility, as well as for replacing decommissioned coal-fired plants with equivalent nuclear capacity”.

The framework sets out national priorities for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and broader economic objectives. It defines “the goals, approaches and priority areas of state policy in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy”, while linking nuclear expansion to energy security and sustainability. According to the agency, “The document aims to ensure the country’s energy security and sustainable economic growth, fulfil international climate commitments, develop high-tech industries and strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the global nuclear industry.” Key areas include the construction of new plants — including one potentially using small modular reactors — alongside advancements in nuclear science, waste management systems, safety infrastructure, workforce development, and the “rational use of uranium resources”. The agency added that “The implementation of the strategy will enable the formation of a modern and sustainable nuclear cluster in Kazakhstan, integrated into the global nuclear ecosystem.”

Kazakhstan enters this phase with prior nuclear experience despite not currently producing nuclear-generated electricity. As the world’s leading uranium producer, it operates three research reactors and previously ran a Russian-designed BN-350 sodium-cooled fast reactor near Aktau until 1999. Preparations for a nuclear programme have been underway for years, including the creation of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in 2014. Public support has also been evident, with more than 70% of 7.8 million voters backing nuclear development in a 2024 referendum. Initial projects are progressing, with Russia’s Rosatom selected in June last year to lead construction of the Balkhash plant in Ulken, while China National Nuclear Corporation is expected to develop additional plants in the same region. The Kazakhstan nuclear plan also aligns with the government’s target of achieving a 5% share of nuclear energy in the national power mix by 2035.