Multinational corporations in the United States and the United Kingdom seal multiple agreements related to nuclear technology, in anticipation of Donald Trump's visit to Britain.
The United Kingdom and the United States have announced a new agreement aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies. The Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy is expected to reduce the time taken for a nuclear energy project to get a license from the current three or four years to roughly two.
The partnership, which will be signed off during President Donald Trump's state visit this week, is not just about powering homes, but also the economy, communities, and ambition. According to UK's Labour leader, Keir Starmer, this collaboration will put both countries at the forefront of global innovation and investment.
One of the key initiatives under this partnership is the speeding up of the building of new nuclear reactor projects by private companies. For instance, Last Energy and DP World are planning a micro modular nuclear power plant, backed by $108.7 million (£80 million) in private investment.
Several US and UK companies have signed major deals to speed up the build-out of new nuclear energy plants in both countries. The Hartlepool project, led by America's X-Energy and Britain's Centrica, plans to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors, with a UK-wide program targeting a fleet of 6GW of nuclear power.
The deals are expected to unlock billions in private investment and create thousands of new jobs. The Holtec, EDF, and Tritax plan to develop advanced data centers powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire, with an estimated project value of around $14.9 billion (£11 billion).
The US-UK nuclear partnership extends to fusion energy, with coordinated experimental programs and test facilities to fast-track progress towards commercial fusion power. Bill Gates-backed Terrapower and KBR plan to conduct studies to deploy the Natrium advanced reactor technology in multiple sites in the UK.
Urenco and Radiant have announced a deal to supply advanced HALEU fuel to the US market. Urenco is already building an Advanced Fuels Facility in the UK and exploring building a similar facility in the US.
Chris Wright, US Secretary of Energy, stated that under Trump's leadership, the US is ushering in a true nuclear renaissance, harnessing the power of commercial nuclear to meet rising energy demand and fuel the AI revolution.
The specifics of the agreement's implementation and the companies involved are yet to be fully disclosed. However, it is clear that this partnership represents a significant step forward in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions, secure energy supplies, and boost economic growth in both the UK and the US.
Read also:
- chaos unveiled on Clowning Street: week 63's antics from 'Two-Tier Keir' and his chaotic Labour Circus
- Budget discrepancy jeopardizes highway projects' financial support
- Racing ahead in Renewable Energy Dominance: Changzhou, Jiangsu Pushes for Worldwide Renewable Energy Ascendancy
- Public remains oblivious to potential hazards at gas export facilities, due to confidentiality surrounding their operations
