UK and US Forge Landmark Deals to Build Modular Nuclear Reactors Across Britain

Published: 15 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

The UK’s ambitions for a major expansion of nuclear power have received a significant boost with a series of high-profile transatlantic agreements for the construction of advanced modular reactors, announced in the lead-up to Donald Trump’s visit to Britain. The deals, forged between the UK and US governments, promise to fast-track safety approvals and attract substantial private sector investment, highlighting potential economic and employment benefits.

Centrica, Britain’s largest energy supplier, has partnered with the US nuclear firm X-energy to deliver up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool. The initiative is projected to create as many as 2,500 jobs in the north-east of England and represents the most advanced and commercially significant of the announced projects. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the transatlantic agreement as a “landmark nuclear partnership” that will not only strengthen energy security but also stimulate economic growth. “These major commitments set us on the path to a golden age of nuclear, driving down household energy bills over the long term while delivering thousands of high-quality jobs in the short term,” Starmer said.

A cornerstone of the deal is the mutual recognition of safety assessments for reactor designs between the two nations. This approach is expected to almost halve the licensing time for nuclear projects, reducing it to approximately two years, and allowing for a faster rollout of new nuclear capacity across the UK. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero emphasized that the agreement paves the way for a significant expansion of nuclear projects in a sector that has already added 11,000 jobs this year, according to the Nuclear Industry Association.

The Hartlepool project secures the nuclear future of the region, replacing an existing reactor scheduled for decommissioning by 2028. The 12 modular reactors are anticipated to generate enough electricity for up to 1.5 million homes. Beyond Hartlepool, further development could see 20 or more modular reactors deployed nationwide, providing around 6GW of power, equivalent to Britain’s current total nuclear output.

Other initiatives include a collaboration between the US nuclear company Holtec, EDF Energy, and property developer Tritax, which will construct advanced datacentres powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire, in a project valued at £11 billion. In addition, Last Energy, a US nuclear firm, is teaming up with DP World, owner of the London Gateway port and business park, to develop one of the world’s first micro modular nuclear plants, supplying electricity directly to the site.

The UK government underscored the necessity of new nuclear facilities to ensure clean, domestic power and enhance energy security. These commercial agreements follow Starmer’s announcement of the largest expansion of nuclear power in generations, alongside government backing for the new Sizewell C station in Suffolk. Ministers also aim to attract significant US tech investment for AI-powered datacentres, which require substantial electricity supplies.

US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright highlighted the role of commercial nuclear power in supporting technological advancements. “Meeting growing demand will require strong partnerships with allies and collaboration with private sector innovators,” he said, adding that the deals will “enhance global energy security, strengthen US energy dominance, and secure nuclear supply chains across the Atlantic.”

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, emphasized that the transatlantic agreements would contribute to an “industrial revival,” generating thousands of high-value jobs while bolstering the UK’s energy security. The UK-US Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy will also aim to reduce reliance on imported energy, particularly phasing out dependence on Russian nuclear materials by 2028.

By streamlining safety approvals and avoiding duplicated regulatory processes, the partnership is expected to facilitate the approval of British reactor designs in the US, including Rolls-Royce’s small modular reactor project, further strengthening trade opportunities and bilateral collaboration in the nuclear sector.