Jobs and Energy Security
The UK and US will sign a new nuclear energy agreement during President Donald Trump’s state visit this week.
Officials expect the deal to create thousands of jobs. It will also strengthen Britain’s energy security and attract billions in private investment.
The two governments call the initiative the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy. Its main goal is to speed up approval for nuclear projects. They aim to cut timelines from four years to two.
In practice, if one country clears a reactor for safety, the other can apply the same data.
Modular Reactors in Focus
Britain already plans to build small modular reactors (SMRs). Rolls Royce will design the first UK-built model.
At the same time, US company X-Energy and UK energy group Centrica intend to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors (AMRs) in Hartlepool.
Unlike SMRs, which use water as a coolant, AMRs use gases such as helium. So far, only a few AMRs operate commercially worldwide. For example, China runs its HTR-PM reactor.
Meanwhile, X-Energy is also developing an AMR project in Texas with US chemicals giant Dow. The company believes the Texas plant could serve as a global model.
Industry Gains and Concerns
According to the UK government, the Hartlepool project could power 1.5 million homes and create up to 2,500 jobs.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband argued that nuclear power will bring “clean, homegrown energy” and provide “well-paid, skilled jobs.”
However, Greenpeace UK strongly criticised the plan. The group warned that more nuclear plants could increase energy bills, raise costs, and delay carbon cuts.
Large-scale projects underline those risks. For instance, the Sizewell C plant in Suffolk has seen its cost rise from £20bn to £38bn. Centrica continues to play a key role as an investor.
Looking Forward
Centrica chief executive Chris O’Shea said Britain must build reactors more often to improve efficiency.
He explained that repeating modular designs should lower costs, shorten timelines, and increase reliability.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to restore the UK’s leadership in nuclear power. In the 1990s, nuclear plants generated 25% of Britain’s electricity. Today, the share has dropped to around 15% as older stations near closure.
Finally, the UK joined 30 other nations in late 2024 to pledge a tripling of global nuclear capacity by 2050.
Resources:
https://www.bbc.com/
https://knowledgenexuses.com/
