The United Kingdom and the United States are preparing to sign a landmark agreement this week aimed at accelerating the development of nuclear power, creating thousands of jobs, and bolstering Britain’s energy security.
The deal, expected to be finalised during U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit, is designed to unlock billions of pounds in private investment. Officials on both sides say the initiative could reshape the way nuclear projects are approved and delivered, although it may be years before the new reactors generate electricity for homes and businesses.
Central to the so-called Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy is a plan to cut in half the time required for regulatory approval. At present, it can take up to four years for a new reactor design to clear safety hurdles. Under the new framework, approvals granted in one country could be recognised in the other, streamlining the process and reducing costs for developers.
The UK is already pushing ahead with its own nuclear programme, which includes plans for small modular reactors (SMRs). These scaled-down plants are designed to be quicker and cheaper to build than traditional large-scale nuclear stations. Rolls Royce has been tapped to design and construct the country’s first SMR, with hopes it will pave the way for wider adoption.
Alongside the government pact, several commercial deals are also expected to be signed. Among the most significant is a partnership between U.S. nuclear company X-Energy and UK energy supplier Centrica, the owner of British Gas. The companies plan to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors (AMRs) in Hartlepool, a project that could transform the town into a hub for next-generation nuclear technology.
Unlike SMRs, which use water as a coolant, AMRs employ gases such as helium, allowing for greater efficiency at higher temperatures. However, the technology remains in its infancy. Only a handful of AMRs are in operation worldwide, including China’s HTR-PM reactor, which began commercial use in recent years.
X-Energy is pursuing a similar project in the United States in partnership with chemicals giant Dow. That initiative, first announced in 2021, only reached the construction permit stage earlier this year with regulators in Texas, underlining the long timelines often involved in bringing such reactors online.
Despite these challenges, advocates of the UK-U.S. pact argue it represents a major step toward diversifying energy sources and cutting reliance on fossil fuels. They also believe it could give Western companies an edge in the race to commercialise advanced nuclear technologies.
If successful, the partnership could establish a blueprint for nuclear development worldwide, making it faster and easier for manufacturers to replicate proven designs in multiple countries.
