UK and US Announce Landmark Nuclear Pact Promising Jobs, Energy Security, and Innovation

The United Kingdom and the United States are preparing to seal a groundbreaking nuclear energy agreement designed to accelerate the expansion of nuclear power, bolster Britain’s energy security, and generate thousands of jobs.

The deal, set to be formalized during U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit this week, is expected to unlock billions of pounds in private investment. Both governments see the accord as a chance to supercharge the nuclear sector on both sides of the Atlantic.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the initiative, declaring that the UK and US were “building a golden age of nuclear” that would place the two allies “at the forefront of global innovation.”

Officials in London stressed that boosting nuclear power capacity could deliver a series of benefits, including lower household energy bills, enhanced energy security, new employment opportunities, and progress in cutting carbon emissions.

The agreement, named the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, will focus on speeding up the construction of new nuclear plants by simplifying regulatory processes.

Under the deal, licensing timelines for nuclear projects will be reduced from as long as four years to just two.

Plans for Projects Across the UK

The agreement is also intended to foster stronger commercial ties between American and British firms, with several major ventures to be unveiled alongside the signing.

One of the headline projects involves U.S. nuclear group X-Energy teaming up with UK utility Centrica to deliver as many as 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool. These units could provide power for 1.5 million homes and create up to 2,500 jobs. Altogether, the wider programme could be worth as much as £40bn, with £12bn of that investment earmarked for north-east England.

Another initiative will see Last Energy collaborate with DP World on a micro modular reactor at London Gateway port, supported by £80m in private funding.

Elsewhere, Holtec, EDF, and Tritax are preparing to transform the former Cottam coal-fired plant in Nottinghamshire into a nuclear-powered data centre hub. That project carries an estimated value of £11bn and is expected to deliver thousands of high-skilled construction roles along with permanent operational jobs.

Broader Strategic Goals

Beyond conventional power generation, the partnership also includes joint research on fusion energy. In addition, the two nations have committed to ending their reliance on Russian nuclear material by 2028.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband praised the announcement, stating: “Nuclear will power our homes with clean, homegrown energy and the private sector is building it in Britain, delivering growth and well-paid, skilled jobs for working people.”

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the agreement as a “nuclear renaissance,” saying it would not only secure reliable energy supplies but also meet surging demand from artificial intelligence and data-driven industries.

Sir Keir has previously underlined his ambition for the UK to reclaim its status as “one of the world leaders on nuclear.” During the 1990s, nuclear power accounted for around 25% of the UK’s electricity supply. Today that figure has slipped to about 15%, with no new stations built since that era and much of the current reactor fleet set to be retired over the coming decade.

A New Era for Nuclear

In November 2024, the UK joined 30 other countries in committing to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. Earlier this year, Britain also reached a financing agreement with private investors to construct the Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk. Meanwhile, Rolls Royce is leading development of the UK’s first small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of the broader push for nuclear expansion.

With the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, officials argue, the stage is now set for a new phase in the UK and US energy relationship—one that promises innovation, jobs, and long-term resilience in the face of rising global demand. 

By fLEXI tEAM