The UK and US are preparing to sign a significant agreement to advance the development of nuclear power. This agreement is expected to create thousands of jobs and enhance energy security in Britain. It is scheduled for signing during US President Donald Trump’s visit this week, with both nations aiming to attract billions in private investment.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the importance of this initiative, declaring that the collaboration can position the UK and US as leaders in nuclear innovation. The government has indicated that increasing nuclear power generation may help reduce household energy costs, create job opportunities, fortify energy security, and address climate change.
Entitled the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, the agreement is designed to expedite the construction of nuclear facilities in both countries. It aims to simplify regulatory processes, decreasing the licensing time for nuclear projects from up to four years to just two.
Additionally, the partnership seeks to promote commercial collaborations between British and American firms. Notable proposals include a plan from US-based X-Energy and the UK’s Centrica to establish up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, potentially supplying power to 1.5 million homes and generating around 2,500 jobs. The overall investment in the program is projected to reach up to £40 billion, with £12 billion specifically allocated to the northeast of England.
Other initiatives include plans for a micro modular reactor at London Gateway port and repurposing the former Cottam coal-fired plant in Nottinghamshire into a nuclear-powered data center. This latter project is expected to cost around £11 billion and create numerous skilled jobs.
The collaboration will also focus on fusion energy research and aims to eliminate reliance on Russian nuclear materials by 2028. The UK’s nuclear contribution to electricity has declined significantly since the 1990s, and there are plans to revitalize this sector with new investments, including the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgzevzwxwro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss