Britain and US to Seal Nuclear Power Pact During Trump Visit
Britain and the US are set to sign a major agreement on nuclear power during US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit. The deal, confirmed by the British government, is expected to boost collaboration between the two nations on developing new nuclear energy projects. This agreement also aims to encourage investment in nuclear plants across the UK.
The UK has increased its focus on nuclear power recently. As part of this push, the government has committed £14 billion to the new Sizewell C nuclear plant. It is also supporting a project led by Rolls-Royce to develop Britain’s first small modular reactors (SMRs). These efforts are part of a broader plan to meet future energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.
Key Projects and Partnerships Announced
President Trump will begin a two-day visit to Britain on Tuesday. During this time, he and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to officially launch the new nuclear partnership. One major part of the agreement involves a joint project by US firm X-Energy and UK utility Centrica. Together, they plan to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in northeast England.
Another significant project, worth £11 billion, will be revealed during the visit. US company Holtec International, French energy firm EDF, and real estate partner Tritax aim to build advanced data centres powered by SMRs. These centres will be located at the site of the former Cottam coal power station in central England.
Prime Minister Starmer expressed strong support for the plans. He stated that these major investments will lead the country into a “golden age of nuclear” and help reduce household energy bills over time.
Streamlining Regulation and Boosting Jobs
The new partnership will also simplify nuclear regulation processes. If a reactor passes safety checks in either the UK or US, those findings can be used by the other country. This change could reduce licensing times from the current three to four years down to just two years.
Centrica CEO Chris O’Shea said the agreement with X-Energy would support a reliable, low-carbon energy system. X-Energy CEO J. Clay Sell highlighted Hartlepool as the ideal location for expanding their technology in Britain.
Holtec CEO Kris Singh said the company’s collaboration with EDF would create thousands of local jobs. He also noted the team would use experience gained from the Palisades project in Michigan. EDF’s UK CEO Simone Rossi said the initiative would strengthen energy security.
Rolls-Royce also confirmed it has entered the US regulatory process for its SMR technology. This step could open the door for future job creation and investment in the US.
Additionally, UK-based Urenco is expected to finalise a deal to supply advanced low-enriched uranium to the US market.
with inputs from Reuters