UK and US Forge Landmark Nuclear Deal, Boosting Sizewell C and Energy Security

February 10, 2026

The United Kingdom and the United States have solidified a significant partnership aimed at bolstering energy security through a new era of nuclear power development. This collaboration includes substantial investment and strategic agreements to accelerate the construction of new nuclear power plants, with a particular focus on advancing the Sizewell C project and fostering innovation in nuclear technology.

Key Takeaways

A new UK-US agreement aims to expedite the licensing process for nuclear projects.
Significant private investment is being channeled into new nuclear power stations in both countries.
The Sizewell C project receives a major boost with confirmed investment and government backing.
The deal is expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen energy independence.

A New Era for Nuclear Power

The "golden age of nuclear" is being driven by a new agreement between the UK and US governments, designed to streamline the process for building new nuclear power stations. This includes reducing the time it takes for a project to obtain a license from several years to approximately two. This initiative is central to the UK’s "energy superpower" mission, aiming to secure clean, homegrown energy and reduce reliance on volatile global fossil fuel markets.

Investment and Job Creation

The partnership has unlocked substantial private investment. Notable deals include plans for advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, advanced data centers powered by small modular reactors in Nottinghamshire, and micro modular nuclear power plants for port expansion. These projects are projected to create thousands of high-skilled construction and operational jobs, with significant economic value estimated for various regions across the UK.

Sizewell C Receives Major Boost

The Sizewell C nuclear power plant has received a significant endorsement with French energy giant EDF confirming its intention to take a 12.5% stake in the project. This follows the UK government’s substantial funding commitment and marks a crucial step towards the Final Investment Decision. The project is expected to create 10,000 jobs at peak construction and thousands more in the supply chain, contributing to the UK’s ‘golden age’ of nuclear power and providing clean energy for millions of homes.

Government Backing and Future Ambitions

The UK government has committed to becoming the largest shareholder in Sizewell C, alongside private investors such as EDF, Centrica, La Caisse, and Amber Infrastructure. This strategic investment aims to ensure the project’s delivery and provide long-term energy security. The government’s broader nuclear roadmap outlines the biggest expansion of nuclear power in 70 years, with plans to quadruple nuclear capacity by 2050 and explore new GW-scale power stations. Furthermore, the UK is investing in advanced nuclear fuel production, positioning itself as a leader in this critical sector and reducing dependence on Russian supplies.

Economic Impact and Collaboration

The UK-US collaboration extends beyond Sizewell C, encompassing a wide range of nuclear projects and technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and fusion energy research. The recent US State Visit saw a record-breaking £150 billion in inward investment commitments from US companies, creating over 7,600 jobs in sectors like clean energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. This underscores the strength of the economic partnership between the two nations and its potential to drive growth and opportunity across the UK.