UK and US Forge Golden Age of Nuclear Power with Landmark Energy Security Deal

February 3, 2026

The United Kingdom and the United States have solidified a new era of energy cooperation with a landmark deal aimed at bolstering nuclear power generation and enhancing energy security. This strategic partnership is set to accelerate the development of new nuclear power plants, foster significant private investment, and create thousands of jobs across both nations, heralding what is being described as a "golden age of nuclear power."

Key Takeaways

A new UK-US agreement aims to expedite the construction of nuclear power stations by streamlining licensing processes.
Several major commercial deals between UK and US companies have been announced, focusing on advanced modular reactors (AMRs) and small modular reactors (SMRs).
The partnership includes commitments to enhance energy security by reducing reliance on Russian nuclear materials.
Significant job creation and economic value are projected from these new nuclear projects.

Accelerating Nuclear Development

The core of this agreement lies in a commitment to make the process of building new nuclear power stations quicker and more efficient. By speeding up licensing from several years to approximately two, the deal aims to unlock a major expansion of nuclear projects in the UK. This initiative is a cornerstone of the UK government’s mission to become an energy superpower, ensuring greater control over its energy supply through clean, homegrown power.

Major Commercial Commitments

The partnership has already spurred significant commercial activity. Notable deals include:

X-Energy and Centrica: Plans to construct up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, with a potential UK-wide program targeting 6GW of nuclear power. This project alone could generate enough electricity for 1.5 million homes and create up to 2,500 jobs, with an estimated economic value of £40 billion.
Holtec, EDF, and Tritax: Development of advanced data centers powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station, with an estimated project value of £11 billion.
Last Energy and DP World: Establishment of one of the world’s first micro modular nuclear power plants to supply clean power for the expansion of DP World’s London Gateway port.
Urenco and Radiant: A deal to supply advanced HALEU fuel to the US market, supported by a new Advanced Fuels Facility in the UK.
TerraPower and KBR: Studies and site evaluations for the deployment of advanced Natrium reactor technology in the UK.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

These developments are expected to inject billions into the UK economy, creating thousands of high-skilled construction and long-term operational jobs. The nuclear industry is already a significant employer, with the Nuclear Industry Association reporting a record 98,000 people employed in the UK. This expansion is anticipated to further boost employment, particularly in industrial heartlands.

Strengthening Energy Security

A crucial aspect of the UK-US collaboration is the commitment to eliminate dependencies on Russian nuclear materials by the end of 2028. This move aims to enhance the resilience of fuel supply chains and reduce global reliance on potentially hostile energy sources, bolstering both nations’ energy security.

Fusion Energy Collaboration

The partnership also extends to the future of energy, with a focus on fusion energy. British and American expertise will be combined with AI technology to develop advanced simulation tools, accelerating progress towards commercial fusion power. A Global Fusion Energy Policy Summit is planned for 2026 in the United States to further this cooperation.

Regulatory Streamlining

Recognizing past delays caused by red tape, both governments are committed to reforming regulations. This includes fast-tracking reactor design checks, where designs approved in one country can be recognized by the other, significantly reducing assessment times. This streamlined approach is vital for accelerating the deployment of new nuclear technologies.