A view shows construction works on the site of the new Sizewell C nuclear power plant, currently being built next to Sizewell B nuclear power plant in Suffolk England, June 11, 2025.
The announcement comes as Britain increases efforts to expand nuclear power. The government recently committed 14 billion pounds ($19 billion) to build the Sizewell C nuclear plant and advanced plans for a Rolls-Royce unit to construct the country’s first small modular reactors (SMRs).
During the visit, Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will confirm several new initiatives. U.S. nuclear reactor company X-Energy and Britain’s Centrica are expected to outline plans to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in northeast England. In addition, an 11 billion pound ($15 billion) project led by U.S.-based Holtec International, France’s EDF, and real estate partner Tritax aims to develop advanced data centres powered by SMRs at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in central England.
“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 on Monday. Trump and Starmer had previously discussed closer cooperation on SMRs in July at Trump’s golf resort in Scotland.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said: “Today’s commercial deals set up a framework to unleash commercial access in both the U.S. and UK.” The tie-up also includes cooperation on nuclear regulation, with both countries agreeing to share safety assessments. This step is expected to shorten licensing times to two years, compared to the current three to four years.
Centrica’s Group CEO Chris O’Shea commented on the new partnership with X-Energy: “It will build a resilient, affordable, low-carbon energy system.” X-Energy CEO J. Clay Sell said Hartlepool was the right location for the project due to its skilled workforce and supporting services.
Holtec chair and CEO Kris Singh highlighted that the collaboration with EDF would create thousands of local jobs and draw on lessons from its Palisades project in Michigan. EDF UK CEO Simone Rossi added that the plan would enhance energy security.
In a related development, Rolls-Royce said it had entered the U.S. regulatory process for its SMR, which could lead to new employment opportunities and investment in the American market. Another announcement is expected from UK-based Urenco, which plans to supply advanced low-enriched uranium to the U.S.
The agreements underline both countries’ shared focus on nuclear power development, with projects aimed at expanding capacity, creating jobs, and supporting long-term energy security.
