US and UK Forge Nuclear Alliance to Accelerate Small Modular Reactor Development

September 22, 2025

The United States and the United Kingdom have solidified a significant partnership aimed at revolutionizing nuclear energy, with a primary focus on the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This landmark agreement, dubbed the "Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy," seeks to streamline regulatory processes, foster private investment, and accelerate the adoption of advanced nuclear technologies across both 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 aims to streamline licensing and regulatory approvals, potentially reducing approval times.
Several major projects involving SMRs and advanced modular reactors (AMRs) are set to align with the partnership.
The agreement is expected to unlock billions in private-sector investment for nuclear energy projects in both countries.

A New Era for Nuclear Power

This collaboration marks a significant step in both countries’ efforts to bolster their nuclear energy capabilities. The partnership is designed to accelerate the commercial rollout of SMRs, which are smaller, more cost-effective, and faster to build than traditional nuclear reactors. SMRs, with a power capacity of around 300 MW(e) per unit, offer greater flexibility in siting and can be constructed incrementally to meet energy demands.

Major Projects Under the Partnership

The agreement underpins several key projects:

X-Energy and Centrica: A plan to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, England, capable of powering 1.5 million homes.
Holtec International, EDF, and Tritax: Development of advanced data centers powered by SMRs in Nottinghamshire, with an estimated investment of $15 billion.
Rolls-Royce and BWXT: Building on existing collaboration for advanced nuclear technologies and exploring new commercial projects.
Last Energy and DP World: Development of a micro modular nuclear power plant at the London Gateway port.
TerraPower and KBR: Evaluating UK sites for the deployment of Natrium advanced reactor technology.
Urenco: Supplying nuclear fuels to the US market and building a new UK facility.

Streamlining Regulations and Boosting Investment

A core component of the "Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy" is the commitment to streamline licensing and regulatory approvals. The goal is to reduce the approval process for new reactors from up to four years to as little as two, by leveraging rigorous safety checks already completed in one country for the other’s assessment. This initiative is expected to attract billions in private-sector investment, fostering a new wave of SMR development and deployment.

Global Context and Future Outlook

The deal comes at a time of increasing global interest in nuclear energy as a reliable, low-carbon power source. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised its nuclear power projections, anticipating a significant increase in global nuclear capacity by 2050, with SMRs playing a crucial role in this expansion. Both the US and UK are looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security through advanced nuclear technologies.