Trump and Starmer Set to Launch “Golden Age” of Nuclear Power with Landmark U.S.-U.K. Deals

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

LONDON (Worthy News) – The United States and the United Kingdom are set to unveil a wave of major nuclear energy agreements during President Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain this week, in what both governments are calling the start of a “golden age” of nuclear power.

The multi-billion-pound package of deals—known as the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy—will see U.S. and U.K. companies collaborate on new modular nuclear reactors, next-generation data centers, and fuel supply chains. Officials say the partnership is expected to create thousands of jobs, accelerate clean energy projects, and unlock billions in private investment.

Modular Reactors in Hartlepool

One of the centerpiece projects is a plan by U.S. company X-Energy and British Gas owner Centrica to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, northeast England. The reactors could power up to 1.5 million homes and support 2,500 jobs, generating at least £40 billion ($54.25 billion) in economic value, the companies said.

“Today’s commercial deals set up a framework to unleash commercial access in both the U.S. and U.K.,” U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said. “With President Trump’s leadership, the United States is ushering in a true nuclear renaissance—harnessing the power of nuclear to meet rising energy demand and fuel the AI revolution.”

Powering the AI Era

Another flagship deal will see U.S.-based Holtec International, France’s EDF, and real estate firm Tritax build advanced data centers powered by small modular reactors (SMRs) in Nottinghamshire at the former Cottam coal-fired site. The £11 billion ($15 billion) program is billed as a template for how nuclear power can fuel energy-hungry artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Tech giants like Amazon and Google have already begun investing in SMRs in the U.S., signaling a shift toward nuclear energy as a reliable and low-carbon power source for AI and cloud computing.

“Golden Age” Vision

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the partnership would ensure Britain and the U.S. lead global innovation in nuclear energy.
“These major commitments set us well on course to a golden age of nuclear that will drive down household bills in the long run,” Starmer said.

The agreement also includes a regulatory cooperation pact, allowing each country to recognize the other’s reactor safety assessments. This could cut licensing timelines from up to four years to just two, dramatically accelerating the approval process for new plants.

Environmental Divide

While advocates hail the deals as essential for clean energy and AI-driven growth, environmental groups warn nuclear is an expensive distraction from cheaper renewables. Critics argue that waste disposal and plant costs remain unresolved challenges.

Still, both Washington and London are pressing ahead. With Britain investing £14 billion ($19 billion) in the new Sizewell C project and advancing plans for its first domestic SMRs, officials say nuclear is poised to play a central role in slashing emissions and ending reliance on fossil fuels.

President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer are expected to formally announce the partnership during Trump’s two-day visit beginning Tuesday.

Latest Worthy News