UK and US Forge Landmark Nuclear Energy Partnership at COP29

At COP29 in Baku, the United Kingdom and the United States have unveiled an agreement to fast-track the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Signed on Monday, 18 November, by UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk, the collaboration aims to pool billions of pounds in nuclear research and development, leveraging the expertise of leading academic institutions and nuclear innovators.

The partnership will focus on accelerating the use of advanced nuclear technologies, including modular reactors, to decarbonise heavy industries such as aviation fuel production, hydrogen generation, and advanced steel manufacturing. These technologies provide low-carbon heat and power, offering a transformative solution for energy-intensive sectors. Modular reactors are smaller in scale and built-in factories, which promise faster and more cost-effective deployment compared to traditional nuclear infrastructure.

This forum aims to make these technologies widely available for industrial use by 2030, positioning nuclear power as a cornerstone of global decarbonisation efforts.

This initiative builds on the COP28 commitment to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, supported by 31 countries, including the UK and the US. The UK is taking bold steps to reverse decades of stagnation in nuclear development. Projects such as the advanced nuclear reactor programme, Great British Nuclear’s small modular reactor competition, and the continued growth of Sizewell C are driving forward a new era for nuclear energy. These efforts are set to bolster energy security, create thousands of skilled jobs, and enhance energy independence beyond 2030.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

"Nuclear will play a vital role in our clean energy future." 

"That is why we are working closely with our allies to unleash the potential of cutting-edge nuclear technology."

"Advanced nuclear technology will help decarbonise industry by providing low-carbon heat and power, supporting new jobs and investment here in the UK."

In a decisive move, Russia will no longer be included in the Generation IV International Forum, which facilitates international collaboration on advanced nuclear technologies. This will ensure that future partnerships are built on shared values and mutual respect for nuclear safety standards.

The new UK-US agreement, effective from 1 March 2025, represents a significant milestone in aligning technological innovation with climate action. By integrating nuclear solutions into industrial applications, the partnership underscores a shared vision for a decarbonised future.