The UK and the US are set to launch a new era of nuclear cooperation with groundbreaking government-to-government agreements to pave the way for faster construction of nuclear power plants on both sides of the Atlantic.
The agreement, called the Atlantic Partnership of Advanced Nuclear Energy, which is expected to be signed during this week’s state visit, will accelerate project approval and cut the nuclear plant’s licensing process from around four years to around two people.
The breakthrough is designed not only to drive the clean energy transition, but to unlock key economic benefits and reduce reliance on the global fossil fuel market while creating thousands of jobs in the UK and the US.
British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer stressed the importance of the deal. “This groundbreaking UK nuclear partnership is not only driving our homes, but also promoting our economy, our communities and ambitions.
“These key commitments have set us well in the course in a nuclear golden age, pushing down household bills in the long run, and providing thousands of good jobs in the short term.
“Together with the United States, we are building a nuclear golden age that places both countries at the forefront of global innovation and investment.”
Promote growth through innovation
For the UK, this transaction is at a crucial time. According to the Nuclear Industry Association, the UK’s nuclear sector has already seen a surge in investment, creating more than 11,000 new jobs this year.
Nuclear power plants are at the heart of government’s ambitions that will make the UK a “clean energy superpower,” generate more self-generating power and ensure long-term energy resilience.
Private sector interest is booming as key transatlantic partnerships form. From small modular reactors to advanced fuel and micro-nuclear power plants, the width promises to transform previous coal regions, ports and industrial hubs into the next generation of clean power centres.
Billions of nuclear deals across the UK
Several well-known collaborations will be announced this week, showing the scale of the opportunity.
At Hartlepool, X-Energy and Centrica plan to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors, providing enough energy to power 1.5 million homes. The project will create 2,500 jobs locally and can donate to an estimated £400 billion worth of value nationwide, with a £12 billion boost focused on the northeast.
In Nottinghamshire, former Cotum coal-fired power plants will be reborn through the partnership of Holtec, EDF and Tritax, which develop advanced data centers with small modular reactors. Valued at around £11 billion, the project will generate thousands of construction operations along with long-term operational roles.
Meanwhile, Last Energy and DP World will offer one of the world’s first micromodular nuclear power plants, backed by £80 million of private investment. This pioneering project will support the expansion of clean energy at London Gateway Port and business parks.
The fuel supply chain is also focused. Urenco and Radiant have signed a £4 million contract to supply sophisticated Haleu fuel to the US, with support from a new, sophisticated fuel facility under construction in the UK.
And in a step towards designing next-generation reactors, Terrapower and KBR will explore potential UK sites for Natrium Advanced Reactors. Each unit can support 1,600 construction jobs, 250 permanent roles, and provide reliable nuclear power generation with integrated, large-scale energy storage.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright explained the importance of strengthening US-UK’s nuclear ties. “The United States is leading a true nuclear renaissance, leveraging the power of commercial nuclear to meet rising energy demands and promote the AI revolution.
“To meet this demand, we need strong partnerships with allies around the world and strong collaborations with private sector innovators.
“Today’s commercial transactions have set up a framework to unlock commercial access in both the US and the UK, enhance global energy security, strengthen US energy control, and secure nuclear supply chains across the Atlantic.”
The Golden Age of the British Nuclear
Timing is no more important. The UK has already approved Sizewell C, a multi-billion pound project set up at one of Europe’s largest nuclear power plants.
At the same time, the UK is pushing for one of Europe’s first small modular reactor programs, investing heavily in fusion research.
Together, these efforts are building what pastors describe as the golden age of nuclear, with the industry currently employing 98,000 people.
The government argues that this surge in nuclear development is solidifying the UK as a world-leading destination for clean energy investment.
Ensuring energy independence
Beyond economic growth, the transatlantic partnership is also about resilience. The UK and the US are pledging to eliminate Russia’s dependence on nuclear material by the end of 2028, strengthening fuel security and undermining Moscow’s impact on the global energy market.
The deal also extends to fusion research, with the joint programme utilising artificial intelligence and advanced testing facilities to drive progress towards commercial fusion power, a potential game changer for future clean energy.
For families and businesses, the benefits of this collaboration are clear. It’s reliable, affordable and a stronger guarantee of homemade energy.
By accelerating the construction of nuclear power plants and expanding cutting-edge research, the UK and the US are placing themselves at the forefront of the world’s clean energy race.
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