The U.S. and U.K. are expected to sign a deal to bolster nuclear energy as President Trump travels to Britain.
A press release from the British embassy says the new arrangements will “turbocharge” the buildout of nuclear plants and are expected to speed up the time it takes for nuclear reactors to be licensed.
Commercial agreements between U.S. and British companies are also expected to be announced, including a deal between X-Energy and Centrica to build 12 reactors in England.
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Meanwhile Holtec, EDF and Tritax are expected to announce a deal for data centers powered by nuclear energy and Last Energy and DP World agreed to establish what was described as a “micro modular” nuclear power plant.
Nuclear energy is a potential subject of agreement between the Trump administration and the U.K. It is carbon free, meaning it could be a tool for combating climate change.
“This landmark UK-US nuclear partnership is not just about powering our homes, it’s about powering our economy, our communities, and our ambition,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a written statement. “These major commitments set us well on course to a golden age of nuclear that will drive down household bills in the long run, while delivering thousands of good jobs in the short term. ”
U.S. conservatives also support nuclear power because it is “dispatchable,” meaning it does not depend on the weather and provides a boost to the U.S. mining industry.
“Today’s commercial deals set up a framework to unleash commercial access in both the U.S. and UK, enhancing global energy security, strengthening U.S. energy dominance, and securing nuclear supply chains across the Atlantic,” U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a written statement.
Opponents of nuclear energy express concerns about potential radiation exposure, disposal of nuclear waste and the possibility of nuclear meltdowns.
