The UK and the US have signed a landmark nuclear energy partnership that promises thousands of new jobs, billions in private investment, and a faster path to clean, reliable power.
Announced during the state visit this week, the deal clears the way for a new wave of nuclear power projects on both sides of the Atlantic. By cutting red tape, the time it takes to get a nuclear plant licensed will drop from three to four years down to just two — a big step toward speeding up the rollout of new reactors.
Big wins for jobs and growth
The agreement is expected to generate thousands of jobs across the UK. On Teesside alone, plans for new reactors in Hartlepool could bring up to 2,500 new roles. Nationwide, the nuclear sector already employs a record 98,000 people, with 11,000 new jobs created this year alone.
Among the major commercial projects announced:
- X-Energy & Centrica: Up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, enough to power 1.5 million homes and worth £40 billion to the economy, with a major boost for the North East.
- Holtec, EDF & Tritax: Advanced data centres in Nottinghamshire powered by small modular reactors — a £11 billion project creating thousands of construction and long-term jobs.
- Last Energy & DP World: One of the world’s first micro modular plants at London Gateway port, backed by £80 million private investment.
- Urenco & Radiant: A £4 million deal to supply advanced nuclear fuel (HALEU) to the US, with new fuel facilities planned in both countries.
- TerraPower & KBR: Studying sites in the UK for advanced Natrium reactors, each supporting 1,600 construction jobs and 250 permanent roles.
A “Golden age” of nuclear
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the partnership isn’t just about keeping the lights on:
“This landmark UK-US nuclear partnership is not just about powering our homes, it’s about powering our economy, our communities, and our ambition.
These major commitments set us well on course to a golden age of nuclear that will drive down household bills in the long run, while delivering thousands of good jobs in the short term.
Together with the US, we’re building a golden age of nuclear that puts both countries at the forefront of global innovation and investment”.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
“We’re kickstarting a golden age of nuclear in this country, joining forces with the US to turbocharge new nuclear developments and secure the technologies of the future.
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. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said:
“With President Trump’s leadership, the United States is ushering in a true nuclear renaissance – harnessing the power of commercial nuclear to meet rising energy demand and fuel the AI revolution.
Meeting this demand will require strong partnerships with our allies around the world and robust collaboration with private sector innovators.
Today’s commercial deals set up a framework to unleash commercial access in both the U.S. and UK, enhancing global energy security, strengthening U.S. energy dominance, and securing nuclear supply chains across the Atlantic”.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said:
“With the United States at the helm of a global energy transformation, our strategic partnerships are driving the advancement of nuclear technologies, securing a clean, reliable and secure energy future for generations to come. Strengthened nuclear cooperation with the UK reinforces our unshakable commitment to technological leadership, global security and the responsible stewardship of nuclear power. This is how we unleash the full power of American Energy Dominance - with innovation, strength, and key geopolitical collaboration”.
Securing the future
The deal also includes a pledge to cut out Russian nuclear fuel entirely by 2028, boosting resilience and protecting families from hostile energy sources. It also expands into fusion research, with UK and US scientists teaming up on advanced AI-powered simulation tools and test facilities to fast-track progress.
Why it matters
For decades, new nuclear in the UK struggled under red tape and delays. This agreement marks a decisive shift — one that not only tackles today’s energy security challenges but also sets up Britain and America as global leaders in clean power innovation. Photo by Lynne Kirton, Wikimedia commons.