The UK and the United States are set to sign a major nuclear energy agreement this week, a move both governments say will cut energy bills, create thousands of jobs and strengthen long-term energy security.
The deal, called the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, will be confirmed during President Donald Trump’s state visit. It is designed to speed up the construction of new nuclear power stations in both countries and attract billions in private investment.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the agreement marked the start of a “golden age of nuclear,” with Britain and America working side by side “at the forefront of global innovation.”
Faster Approvals for Nuclear Projects
A key part of the deal is to streamline approvals for nuclear plants. At present, licensing can take up to four years, but the new system aims to cut that to just two. Ministers argue that removing delays will make it easier for private companies to build reactors and bring clean energy online faster.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Nuclear will power our homes with clean, homegrown energy and provide skilled jobs for working people.” His US counterpart, Chris Wright, described the move as a “nuclear renaissance,” highlighting the growing need for reliable energy to power everything from homes to artificial intelligence data centres.
Billions in Investment and Thousands of Jobs
Several major projects are expected to follow:
X-Energy and Centrica plan to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool. The project could power 1.5 million homes and create as many as 2,500 jobs, with a wider programme worth up to £40bn, including £12bn invested in the North East.
Last Energy and DP World are joining forces to develop a micro modular reactor at London Gateway port, backed by £80m in private investment.
Holtec, EDF and Tritax want to transform the former Cottam coal power station in Nottinghamshire into a nuclear-powered data hub, a project worth £11bn that could generate thousands of construction jobs and long-term roles in operations.
Looking Beyond Traditional Nuclear
The partnership will also expand research into fusion energy and commits both countries to end reliance on Russian nuclear materials by 2028.
Nuclear’s share of UK electricity has been falling for decades. In the 1990s it generated about a quarter of Britain’s power, but that figure is now closer to 15%, with many ageing reactors due to be retired in the coming years.
The government hopes new projects — including the Sizewell C station in Suffolk and small modular reactors being developed by Rolls Royce — will reverse that trend.
The agreement also supports a global pledge signed by the UK and 30 other countries last year to triple nuclear capacity by 2050.
