The UK and US are set to sign a new deal to accelerate development of nuclear power.

Aimed at generating thousands of jobs and strengthening energy security, the deal is expected to be signed during US president Donald Trump’s state visit this week.

It aims to make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both countries, for example by speeding up the time it takes for a nuclear project to get a licence from roughly three or four years to roughly two.

The deal clears the way for a major expansion of new nuclear projects in the UK, a sector which has already seen 11,000 new jobs this year following government-led investment, according to new statistics from the Nuclear Industry Association.

The expansion of nuclear power is central to the UK government’s clean energy superpower mission, as part of the UK’s drive to build more clean homegrown power to ensure energy security.

Building on existing UK and US collaboration including between Rolls-Royce and BWXT, the 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 - plans 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. According to the companies, the Hartlepool project would generate enough power for up to 1.5 million homes and create up to 2,500 jobs. The companies estimate the overall programme could deliver at least £40bn in economic value, with £12bn in value focussed for the North-east of England.

Holtec, EDF and Tritax - plans to develop advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire. Holtec estimate the project value to be around £1bn, and it is expected to create thousands of high-skilled construction jobs, as well as long-term roles in operations for the local community.

Last Energy and DP World – plans to establish one of the world’s first micro modular nuclear power plants, backed by £80m 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 – signs a deal, worth around £4m, 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 – plans to conduct studies and evaluate sites in the UK for the deployment of the Natrium advanced reactor technology, with each Natrium reactor supporting around 1,600 construction jobs and 250 permanent jobs and delivering safe, reliable and flexible nuclear power paired with gigawatt-scale energy storage.

The UK’s new ‘golden age’ of nuclear follows the announcement of the biggest build-out of new nuclear power in generations, including a multi-billion deal giving Sizewell C the green light. This is alongside the development of one of Europe’s first small modular reactor programmes, and record investment in fusion.

Prime minister Keir Starmer said: “This landmark UK-US nuclear partnership is not just about powering our homes, it’s about powering our economy, our communities, and our ambition.

“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.

“Together with the US, we’re building a golden age of nuclear that puts both countries at the forefront of global innovation and investment.”

The biggest backing of nuclear in a generation is leading to a private sector boom, cementing the UK as a world-leading investment destination for nuclear with US companies entering the market to create jobs and growth for working people in Britain’s industrial heartlands. Figures published today by the Nuclear Industry Association show that the nuclear industry now employs a record 98,000 people in the UK.

Under previous governments the build-out of new nuclear has been slow due to inaction, delay and red tape. Government says this deal will help speed up deployment for both US and UK companies entering the market.

The partnership extends to fusion energy, through coordinated experimental programmes where British and American expertise will combine with AI technology to develop advanced simulation tools, whilst test facilities will fast-track progress towards commercial fusion power.

The agreement between the two countries is known as the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy.

Simon Bowen, Great British Energy – Nuclear chair, said: “The UK-US commitment to nuclear energy sends a clear signal - this is a pivotal moment for energy security and clean growth.

“There is enormous potential to unlock investment in the UK’s nuclear sector - supporting high-quality jobs, regional growth, and the development of a resilient, capable supply chain. GBE-N is ready to work with the industry to turn today’s commitments into delivery - accelerating deployment and ensuring the UK captures the full economic and strategic value of nuclear energy.”

Tees Valley mayor, Ben Houchen, said focussing on nuclear energy is “crucial” for jobs across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and ensuring the country’s security.

“We’ve had plenty of interest from big firms when it comes to developing small modular reactors on Teesside, so to have X-Energy and Centrica commit to Hartlepool is another big boost to our nuclear future,” he added.

“Now it’s about delivering these projects, getting them up and running and ensuring local people secure the thousands of well-paid jobs promised.”