The United Kingdom and United States are preparing to sign the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, a landmark agreement to accelerate nuclear development.
The deal, scheduled during President Trump’s state visit, is expected to create thousands of skilled jobs.
Nuclear Energy to Power Homes with Clean, Homegrown Supply
Industry leaders welcomed the pact as a catalyst for advanced nuclear technology and energy security. Officials stressed that the partnership will “strengthen transatlantic collaboration and industrial capacity.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two countries were “building a golden age of nuclear” that would place them “at the forefront of global innovation.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasised the domestic benefits: “Nuclear will power our homes with clean, homegrown energy and the private sector is building it in Britain, delivering growth and well-paid, skilled jobs for working people.”
Faster Regulatory Approvals and Energy Independence
The agreement will halve the average regulatory approval process for nuclear projects, cutting timelines from four years to just two. It also includes collaboration on fusion research and a joint pledge to end UK and US reliance on Russian nuclear material by 2028.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the move as a “nuclear renaissance.”
Multi-Billion-Pound Commercial Projects Announced
Several major commercial ventures have been unveiled alongside the pact. X-Energy and Centrica plan up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, potentially powering 1.5 million homes and creating 2,500 jobs. The wider programme could total £40bn, with £12bn focused in the North East.
Other deals include an £80m micro modular reactor at London Gateway port by Last Energy and DP World, and an £11bn project by Holtec, EDF and Tritax to repurpose the former Cottam coal plant into a nuclear-powered data hub.