U.S. and U.K. poised to expedite nuclear energy ventures through agreement
The United Kingdom and the United States are set to strengthen their partnership, with a focus on nuclear energy projects. This partnership, as announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, promises faster regulatory approval and several new private sector investment deals for nuclear projects, setting the U.K. "on course to a golden age of nuclear."
Under this agreement, Britain and the U.S. will work together to develop nuclear energy projects, including advanced modular reactors and nuclear fusion experiments. The cooperation covers high-level strategic and operational coordination rather than publicly defined leadership profiles. The partnership aims to eliminate any last dependencies on Russian nuclear material by the end of 2028.
One of the key projects under this partnership is the new Sizewell C nuclear power plant in the U.K., which is part of the country's investment in its nuclear energy sector. The U.K. government has pledged billions of pounds for this project.
In addition, U.S. firm X-energy and British Gas owner Centrica have announced plans to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, northeast England. Meanwhile, U.S. firm Holtec, France's EDF, and British firm Tritax are set to develop data centres powered by small modular reactors.
The partnership also includes enhanced cooperation between the two countries on experimental programs for nuclear fusion, a technology aimed at providing emissions-free electricity without nuclear waste. The U.S. and U.K. aim to establish close cooperation in leadership roles within their partnership pact, emphasizing strategic planning, military operations, nuclear technology, and intelligence sharing.
This move is expected to cut the time to obtain a nuclear project license to two years, down from three to four years. The U.K. has refocused on shoring up nuclear power since the start of the war in Ukraine, in the name of energy security and faced with a fleet of ageing power stations.
President Trump is scheduled to arrive in Britain on late Tuesday for a second state visit. The Thames Valley Police are conducting security searches outside Windsor Castle ahead of the visit. During his first term, Trump was previously hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
This partnership between the U.K. and U.S. will be signed during President Trump's state visit, aiming to meet net zero and energy security targets with the new nuclear projects.
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