UK-US deal on energy security as IAEA General Conference due
New deals are due to be signed boosting the build-out of nuclear power stations as international figures gather in Vienna.
The agreement, known as the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, between the US and UK governments is expected to be signed at the state visit of President Trump this week.
The deal will potentially half the time it takes for a nuclear project to get a licence to roughly two years.
Building on the existing collaboration such as between Rolls-Royce and BWXT, the UK Government has increased access to the market for both UK and US companies with new major commercial deals to be announced this week:
- X-Energy and Centrica - plan to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, with a follow-on UK-wide programme targeting a fleet of 6GW of nuclear power
- Holtec, EDF and Tritax - plan to develop advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire.
- Last Energy and DP World – plans to establish one of the world’s first micro modular nuclear power plants, backed by £80mln in private investment, to unlock a clean power supply for the expansion of DP World’s London Gateway port and business park.
- Urenco and Radiant - to supply advanced HALEU fuel to the US market. Urenco is building an Advanced Fuels Facility in the UK co-funded with the UK Government and is exploring building a similar facility in the US.
- TerraPower and KBR – to conduct studies and evaluate sites in the UK for the deployment of the Natrium advanced reactor technology.
The partnership extends to fusion energy through coordinated experimental programmes.
The announcement comes ahead of the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria.
The General Conference is the IAEA’s main policy forum, where representatives from 180 Member States debate and decide on issues such as peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology and energy.
This year’s two-day Scientific Forum from Tuesday 16 to Wednesday 17 will focus on water and how nuclear techniques can help countries manage water supplies.
General Conference Sessions at the Plenary Hall, including the key addresses of officials and delegates, are streamed live during the whole week. Sessions of the Scientific Forum are also streamed here.
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