UK and US Forge Nuclear Alliance to Ignite a New Era of Clean Energy

September 18, 2025

The United Kingdom and the United States have solidified a landmark partnership aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of nuclear energy. This collaboration, formalized during U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit, seeks to streamline regulatory processes, foster private investment, and bolster energy security for both nations, heralding what leaders are calling a "golden age" of nuclear power.

Key Takeaways

A new pact between the UK and US will halve the time for nuclear project regulatory approval.
The agreement facilitates billions in private investment for new nuclear projects.
Several major commercial deals are set to advance Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs).
The partnership aims to reduce reliance on Russian nuclear materials.

Accelerating Nuclear Development

The core of the "Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy" focuses on expediting the approval process for new nuclear power stations. By allowing safety checks conducted in one country to be recognized by the other, the time required for regulatory approval is expected to be reduced from up to four years to as little as two. This streamlining is crucial for bringing new reactors online more quickly and efficiently.

Major Commercial Deals Announced

The partnership is accompanied by several significant commercial agreements:

X-Energy and Centrica: The U.S. company X-Energy and the UK’s Centrica plan to construct up to 12 Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) in Hartlepool, potentially powering 1.5 million homes and creating thousands of jobs.
Holtec International, EDF, and Tritax: These entities will collaborate on developing data centers powered by Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire.
Last Energy and DP World: U.S. firm Last Energy will partner with DP World to build a microreactor to power the expansion of the London Gateway port.
TerraPower and KBR: Bill Gates’ nuclear reactor company, TerraPower, along with KBR, will explore sites in the UK for deploying TerraPower’s Natrium advanced reactors.
Urenco and Radiant: The UK-based Urenco will supply advanced nuclear fuel to the U.S. market, a deal valued at £4 million, aiming to eliminate dependence on Russian nuclear materials by 2028.

Driving Economic Growth and Energy Security

This initiative is projected to unlock billions in private investment, create tens of thousands of skilled jobs across both nations, and significantly enhance energy security. Rolls-Royce, a key player in the UK’s SMR program, welcomed the collaboration, noting its existing partnerships with U.S. firms like BWXT and its selection to develop the UK’s first commercial SMR.

Addressing Past Challenges

While acknowledging past delays and cost overruns in large-scale nuclear projects, such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, proponents of the new pact emphasize that the focus on SMRs and AMRs, which can be factory-built and deployed more rapidly, offers a path to greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The repetitive nature of SMR manufacturing is expected to drive down costs and improve reliability over time.

A New Chapter for Nuclear Power

With the UK’s nuclear power generation having fallen to around 15% of its electricity mix, this partnership signifies a renewed commitment to nuclear energy as a vital component of a clean energy future. The agreement also extends to fusion energy research, fostering collaboration on advanced simulation tools and test facilities.