UK and US Forge Landmark Nuclear Energy Security Pact

December 23, 2025

The United Kingdom and the United States have solidified a significant collaboration aimed at bolstering nuclear energy security and accelerating the development of new nuclear power plants. This strategic alliance is set to drive substantial private investment, create thousands of jobs, and enhance energy independence for both nations.

Key Takeaways

A new agreement between the UK and US governments will expedite the licensing process for nuclear projects.
Multiple commercial deals between UK and US companies are poised to develop advanced modular reactors and small modular reactors.
The partnership includes collaboration on fusion energy research and development.
Both nations commit to eliminating dependencies on Russian nuclear materials by the end of 2028.

A New Era for Nuclear Power

The collaboration, dubbed the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, is designed to streamline the construction of new nuclear power stations. By simplifying regulatory processes, such as reducing the typical licensing time from three to four years down to approximately two, the agreement aims to accelerate project delivery.

This initiative is expected to pave the way for a major expansion of nuclear projects in the UK, a sector that has already seen significant job growth. The government’s ambition is to build more clean, homegrown power to ensure robust energy security.

Major Commercial Deals Announced

Several key commercial agreements have been established as part of this partnership:

X-Energy and Centrica: Plans to construct up to 12 advanced modular reactors (AMRs) in Hartlepool, with a broader UK-wide program targeting 6GW of nuclear power. This project alone is estimated to create up to 2,500 jobs and deliver significant economic value.
Holtec, EDF, and Tritax: Development of advanced data centers powered by small modular reactors (SMRs) at the former Cottam coal-fired power station.
Last Energy and DP World: Establishment of micro modular nuclear power plants to supply clean energy for the expansion of DP World’s London Gateway port.
Urenco and Radiant: A deal to supply advanced HALEU fuel to the US market, with Urenco building an Advanced Fuels Facility in the UK.
TerraPower and KBR: Studies and site evaluations for the deployment of TerraPower’s Natrium advanced reactor technology in the UK.

Strengthening Energy Security and Economic Growth

This UK-US nuclear partnership is not only about generating clean energy but also about powering economic growth and creating high-quality employment opportunities across both nations. The initiative aims to reduce household bills in the long run while delivering immediate job creation.

The collaboration extends to fusion energy, fostering joint experimental programs and leveraging AI technology to develop advanced simulation tools. Furthermore, the agreement addresses the critical need to eliminate dependencies on Russian nuclear materials, enhancing the resilience of fuel supply chains.

Sizewell C and Future Projects

The partnership builds upon existing UK commitments, including the multi-billion-pound investment in Sizewell C, which has received its final investment decision. This project, along with the development of SMR programs and record investment in fusion, represents the most significant nuclear build-out in generations.

The UK’s commitment to nuclear power is reinforced by plans for the biggest expansion in 70 years, aiming to quadruple nuclear capacity by 2050. This includes exploring new power stations as large as Hinkley C and Sizewell C, and investing in domestic production of advanced nuclear fuels like HALEU, thereby pushing Russia out of the global market.