U.S., U.K. aim to usher in "golden age of nuclear" in series of deals
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The U.S. and United Kingdom on Sunday announced a wide-ranging series of nuclear power deals in which multiple leading U.S. nuclear companies will build projects overseas.
Why it matters: It's a significant step forward in President Trump's plans to put nuclear at the center of his "energy dominance" agenda.
- The deals are expected to be signed as part of Trump's state visit to the U.K. this week, the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., said in a statement.
Driving the news: The agreements are aimed at expanding cooperation between the two countries and making it easier for companies to build new plants.
- The companies X-energy and Centrica plans to build up to 12 small modular reactors in Hartlepool in northeast England, with a follow-on U.K.-wide program targeting a fleet of six gigawatts of power.
- Holtec, EDF and Tritax will seek to develop advanced data centers powered by small modular reactors at a former coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire in eastern England.
- Last Energy and DP World will establish "one of the world's first micro modular nuclear power plants" to provide power for an expansion of DP World's London Gateway port and business park, the British Embassy said.
In addition, Urenco and Radiant are to sign a $4.6 million deal to supply High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) for advanced reactors to the U.S. market.
- The partnership between the countries aims to to eliminate any dependence on Russian nuclear material by the end of 2028. Currently, Russia produces the only HALEU for commercial use.
- And TerraPower and KBR plan to study and evaluate sites in the U.K. for deployment of the Natrium advanced reactor technology.
- The U.S. will host a "Global Fusion Energy Policy Summit" next year aimed at bolstering international cooperation on fusion energy.
What they're saying: "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," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
- U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the 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."
