The US & UK have announced that they will sign a major new partnership designed to turbocharge the build-out of new nuclear power stations. The plans are expected to be signed off during US President Donald Trump's state visit which begins today (Tuesday 16th September).
The new agreement between the nations will make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both countries; for example, by reducing the time it takes to licence a nuclear project, from between three to four years, to just two.
The deal, which has been named ‘the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy’, will provide a range of tangible benefits for both British and American citizens, offering secure, clean energy and high-quality employment opportunities across both countries.
In a press release UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “These major commitments set us well on course to a golden age of nuclear that will drive down household bills in the long run, while delivering thousands of good jobs in the short term. Together with the US, we’re building a golden age of nuclear that puts both countries at the forefront of global innovation and investment”[i].
The UK government has stated that the new agreement includes the potential for up to 2,500 jobs for Teesside alone and is set to unlock billions in private investment. The UK nuclear sector is already buoyant; 11,000 new jobs have been created this year, and figures published by the Nuclear Industry Association on Monday (15th September) show that the sector now employs a record 98,000 people[ii].
The partnership builds on existing UK and US collaboration, including that between Rolls-Royce and BWXT with further commercial deals set to be announced this week. These include[iii]:
· X-Energy and Centrica – construction of up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, with a follow-on UK wide programme targeting a fleet of 6GW of nuclear power. This could generate power for up to 1.5 million homes and create up to 2,500 jobs, delivering at least £40 billion in economic value, £12 billion of which would be centred in the North East of England.
· Holtec, EDF and Tritax - plans to develop advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire. Holtec estimate the project value to be around £11 billion, and it is expected to create thousands of high-skilled construction jobs.
· Last Energy and DP World – plans to establish one of the world’s first micro modular nuclear power plants, backed by £80 million in private investment, to unlock a clean power supply for the expansion of DP World’s London Gateway port and business park.
· Urenco and Radiant –£4 million deal to supply advanced HALEU fuel to the US market. Urenco is currently building an Advanced Fuels Facility in the UK co-funded with the UK Government and is exploring building a similar facility in the US.
· TerraPower and KBR – plans to conduct studies and evaluate sites in the UK for the deployment of the Natrium advanced reactor technology, with each reactor supporting around 1,600 construction jobs and 250 permanent jobs. The technology will deliver flexible nuclear power paired with gigawatt-scale energy storage.
Following the announcement Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy, has said: “With President Trump’s leadership, 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. Meeting this demand will require strong partnerships with our allies around the world and robust collaboration with private sector innovators”[iv].
He added that the deals “set up a framework to unleash commercial access in both the U.S. and UK, enhancing global energy security, strengthening U.S. energy dominance, and securing nuclear supply chains across the Atlantic”.
Promisingly, the partnership will also extend to explore and develop fusion energy. This will include coordinated experimental programmes, where British and American expertise will combine with AI technology to develop advanced simulation tools, as well as the use of test facilities to fast-track progress towards commercial fusion power.
[i] Golden age of nuclear delivers UK-US deal on energy security - GOV.UK
[ii] Ibid
[iii] Ibid
[iv] Ibid
Lauren has extensive experience as an analyst and market researcher in the digital technology and travel sectors. She has a background in researching and forecasting emerging technologies, with a particular passion for the Videogames and eSports industries. She joined the Critical Information Group as Head of Reports and Market Research at GRC World Forums, and leads the content and data research team at the Zero Carbon Academy. “What drew me to the academy is the opportunity to add content and commentary around sustainability across a wealth of industries and sectors.”
