The transatlantic nuclear cooperation witnessed this September marks a pivotal moment in the global energy landscape, with implications that ripple far beyond the Atlantic. The $100 billion surge in commercial agreements, formalized under the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, signals a concerted effort to realign energy strategies and reduce reliance on Russian nuclear material. The partnership aims to cut reactor licensing timelines, a move that could significantly accelerate nuclear project deployments and reshape the energy sector’s trajectory.
The orchestrated wave of deals, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK, underscores the rapid pivot the nuclear industry can make when regulatory barriers fall and government policies align with private capital. The nuclear tranche of these deals opens pathways for both countries to capture surging demand from AI-driven data centers and industrial decarbonization, while also cementing Western-controlled supply chains for next-generation reactors.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s declaration of a “golden age of nuclear” and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s emphasis on enhancing global energy security and strengthening U.S. energy dominance highlight the strategic importance of this partnership. The deals span advanced reactor deployments, nuclear fuel supply chains, waste management, maritime nuclear applications, engineering services, and regulatory harmonization, creating a comprehensive framework for future collaboration.
Before the surge of deals, momentum was already building. EDF Energy extended the life of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations, adding about 3 TWh of generation to reduce imported gas dependence. Westinghouse formalized memorandums of understanding with six British suppliers, securing key reactor components for AP1000 and AP300 projects. Notably, U.S. startup Aalo Atomics signed the first commercial contract by any U.S. advanced reactor company for enriched uranium delivery from UK-headquartered Urenco.
The Centrica/X-energy agreement to deploy up to 12 Xe-100 Advanced Modular Reactors at the Hartlepool site marks a significant milestone. This project aims to replace the current nuclear station, scheduled to retire in 2028, and provide clean electricity and high-temperature process heat for Teesside’s critical industries. The ambition to deploy as much as 6 GW of advanced reactors across the UK sets a new benchmark for AMR fleets.
Holtec International’s collaboration with EDF UK and Tritax to develop SMR-300 small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station transforms a historic site into a clean energy and AI hub. This project, benefiting from lessons learned from Holtec’s SMR-300 at Palisades, Michigan, represents a potential $15 billion investment, creating thousands of local jobs.
Last Energy and DP World’s agreement to develop the world’s first port-centric micro-nuclear power plant at London Gateway logistics hub is another groundbreaking initiative. The PWR-20 microreactor will supply electricity to power DP World’s expansion of the Thames Freeport facility, with surplus exported to the grid. This project underscores the strategic importance of nuclear energy in enhancing trade resilience and supporting industrial decarbonization.
TerraPower and KBR’s collaboration to seek potential deployment of TerraPower’s Natrium reactor in the UK further expands the scope of transatlantic nuclear cooperation. The Natrium reactor, with its sodium fast reactor and molten salt-based energy storage system, offers a promising solution for clean, reliable energy.
Amentum’s plans to create 3,000 new jobs in UK nuclear power and defense, along with its role in waste management, highlight the broader economic and environmental benefits of this partnership. The investment in nuclear construction skills and domestic supply chain capabilities positions the UK to participate in future global export opportunities.
The implications of this transatlantic nuclear cooperation are profound. It not only accelerates the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies but also strengthens energy security, supports industrial decarbonization, and fosters economic growth. The partnership sets a precedent for future collaborations, demonstrating how aligned government policies and private capital can drive rapid advancements in the nuclear industry. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy transition, this cooperation offers a blueprint for harnessing the potential of nuclear energy to shape a sustainable and secure energy future.