New nuclear deals help keep legacy of historic energy sites alive, says Prospect

A host of new nuclear energy deals between US and UK companies have been enabled following an agreement between the US and UK governments that is expected to be formally signed this week.

Among the deals is a plan between Holtec, EDF and Tritax to develop advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire. The £11bn project is expected to create thousands of high-skilled construction jobs, as well as long-term roles in operations for the local community.

The UK government says this will be the start of a new ‘golden age’ for nuclear that boosts our commitment to clean energy and will help us to reach our Net Zero targets.

Other deals that have been announced include:

• 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 good jobs. The companies estimate the overall programme could deliver at least £40 billion in economic value, with £12 billion in value focussed for the North East of England.
• Last Energy and DP World – plans to establish one of the world’s first micro modular nuclear power plants, backed by £80 million 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 £4 million, 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.

Sue Ferns OBE, Prospect Senior Deputy General Secretary, responding to the announcement at Cottam, said

“The expansion of AI and the proliferation of data centres create challenges for our energy system which require creative solutions.

“Our energy sites and workforce have a proud history of powering the UK, using Small Modular Reactors to power new data centres makes sense, and keeps this energy legacy alive into the future.

“As we transition away from high carbon fuels, innovative use of existing sites that have in-built advantages, such as grid connections, will be essential to ensuring historic energy communities do not get left behind by the change.”

The announcement of the new agreement between the US and UK governments coincides with the annual Jobs Map report from the Nuclear Industry Association, which shows that more workers than ever are now working in the nuclear sector.

NIA jobs report shows positive role of nuclear in our economy