US and UK Forge Ahead with Nuclear Power: A New Era of Small Modular Reactors

September 22, 2025

The United States and the United Kingdom have solidified a significant partnership focused on advancing nuclear energy, particularly through the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This collaboration, dubbed the "Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy," aims to streamline regulatory processes, accelerate the adoption of new reactor technologies, and attract substantial private investment, heralding a new chapter in clean energy cooperation between the two nations.

Key Takeaways

A new "Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy" agreement has been signed between the US and UK.
The deal prioritizes the acceleration of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) development and deployment.
It includes measures to streamline licensing and regulatory approvals, potentially reducing approval times.
Several major SMR and Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) projects in both countries are set to align with this partnership.
The agreement aims to unlock billions in private-sector investment for nuclear energy projects.

Deepening Transatlantic Nuclear Cooperation

This landmark agreement, signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is set to revolutionize the nuclear energy landscape in both countries. The partnership focuses on fostering collaboration in SMR technology, aiming to speed up the commercial rollout of these smaller, more efficient nuclear power units. Starmer previously expressed the benefits of closer collaboration with the U.S. on SMR technology, a sentiment echoed by Trump’s interest in the cost-effectiveness of these advanced reactors.

Major Projects Under the Partnership

The "Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy" underpins several key projects. In the UK, X-energy and Centrica plan to construct up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, capable of powering 1.5 million homes. Additionally, Holtec International, EDF, and Tritax are investing approximately $15 billion to develop data centers powered by SMRs in Nottinghamshire. Further collaborations include Rolls-Royce’s expansion into the U.S. SMR market and Urenco’s supply of advanced nuclear fuel to the U.S.

Streamlining Regulations and Boosting Investment

A core component of the deal involves streamlining licensing and regulatory approvals for advanced reactors, with the goal of reducing the approval process from up to four years to as little as two. This initiative is expected to unlock billions in private-sector investment across both nations. The partnership also aims to reduce dependence on Russia for nuclear materials by 2028.

The Rise of Small Modular Reactors

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of around 300 MW(e), significantly smaller and more modular than traditional reactors. Their factory-assembly design makes them cheaper and faster to build, and they can be deployed on sites unsuitable for larger conventional plants. Globally, 74 SMR designs are under development, supported by substantial public and private funding, indicating a growing international interest in this technology.

UK’s Nuclear Landscape and Future Ambitions

The UK’s nuclear sector is undergoing a transformation, with older reactors nearing the end of their operational lives. The government is investing heavily in SMR development, with Rolls-Royce selected as a preferred bidder for the country’s first SMR program. Despite past challenges with large-scale projects like Hinkley Point C, the focus on SMRs and streamlined regulations signals a renewed commitment to nuclear power as a key component of the UK’s clean energy strategy.