UK & US Sign Landmark Deal to Accelerate Nuclear Power Expansion
The UK and US have signed a major agreement to accelerate the development of nuclear power, a move the British government heralds as the start of a "golden age" for the sector. The deal aims to cut licensing times for new projects and unlock billions in private investment to boost energy security and create jobs.
The partnership will see regulators in both countries collaborate to streamline approval processes, reducing the time it takes to license new nuclear power stations from three or four years down to approximately two.
"This is not just about powering our homes, it’s about powering our economy, our communities, and our ambition," said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Major Projects Announced
The strategic framework was announced alongside a series of significant commercial commitments from nuclear firms:
X-Energy and Centrica plan to develop up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, aiming for a total capacity of 6 GW. The project is expected to power 1.5 million homes, create up to 2,500 jobs, and generate an estimated £40 billion in economic value.
A consortium of Holtec, EDF, and Tritax will develop advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors (SMRs) at the former Cottam coal station in Nottinghamshire. The £11 billion project is anticipated to create thousands of high-skilled jobs.
Last Energy and DP World will establish one of the world’s first micro modular nuclear power plants at the London Gateway port, backed by £80 million in private investment.
Urenco and Radiant will supply advanced nuclear fuel to the US market from a new facility under construction in the UK.
TerraPower and KBR will conduct studies to evaluate UK sites for its Natrium advanced reactor technology, which combines nuclear power with large-scale energy storage.
Focus on Jobs & Energy Security
The government states these investments will "turbocharge" the UK's nuclear sector. According to the Nuclear Industry Association, the industry already employs a record 98,000 people and has added 11,000 jobs this year alone.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called the partnership a “kickstart for a golden age of nuclear,” designed to deliver growth, clean energy, and well-paid jobs.
The agreement also formalizes a commitment for both nations to end all reliance on Russian nuclear fuel supplies by 2028, strengthening Western energy supply chains. Furthermore, it includes coordination on fusion-energy research and the use of AI simulation tools to advance commercial fusion power.
This new strategy follows recent government moves to back nuclear power, including approval for the Sizewell C project and funding for a domestic SMR program.