The UK and the United States have announced a landmark nuclear energy partnership aimed at developing a new generation of nuclear power plants to boost energy security and accelerate the transition to net zero.
As part of the agreement, the partners are planning the first site at Hartlepool, marking a major step forward for the UK’s ambitions to expand clean and reliable nuclear power capacity.
The deal is expected to focus on advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and next-generation designs, which promise faster construction, lower costs, and greater flexibility compared to traditional nuclear plants.
Government officials emphasised that the collaboration will not only support decarbonisation goals, but also create high-value jobs and strengthen energy independence by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Further details, including project timelines and technology providers, are anticipated in the coming months as feasibility and permitting work begins.
UK–US Nuclear Deal to Launch “Golden Age” of Energy Cooperation
Britain and the United States are set to embark on a new era of energy cooperation, with plans to build a new generation of nuclear power stations under a landmark agreement to be signed during Donald Trump’s state visit this week.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will formalise the “nuclear partnership” with the US President, opening the door for multiple projects across the UK designed to safeguard energy security and reduce reliance on intermittent renewable power sources.
As part of the deal, a nuclear agreement between Centrica (owner of British Gas) and X-Energy, an American start-up backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is expected to be announced. The partnership could supply 14 million homes, with the first site planned for Hartlepool, which could begin generating electricity within a decade using advanced modular reactors (AMRs).
These compact “mini-nukes” are touted as a significant advance over traditional 20th century designs—faster to construct, cheaper to operate, and more adaptable to future demand. Ministers hope that a new fleet of AMRs will play a vital role in meeting Labour’s net zero commitments, as electricity demand surges with the shift to electric vehicles and the phasing out of gas boilers.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has already pledged billions of pounds for conventional nuclear stations to ensure the UK has sufficient baseload power when conditions are unsuitable for wind and solar generation.
The Prime Minister hailed the deal as a turning point, promising that it would deliver lower electricity bills in the long run and create thousands of new jobs, while cementing the UK’s role in what both nations are calling a “golden age” of energy cooperation.
