Fast-Track Nuclear: How the UK–US Partnership Accelerates SMRs and Microreactors

The Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy outlines closer UK–US collaboration to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors at scale. The approach focuses on shared safety assessments, coordinated licensing and earlier supply-chain mobilization. Regulators aim to shorten design reviews to about two years and target nuclear site licensing within one year, with the goal of facilitating more predictable timelines for project development.

Several near-term opportunities are advancing under this framework. A joint development at the existing Hartlepool nuclear site proposes up to 12 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor units, with first generation targeted in the mid-2030s subject to approvals. At the former Cottam coal station in Nottinghamshire, feasibility work is assessing SMR capacity to supply a planned datacenter campus, drawing on lessons from ongoing projects abroad. In parallel, a port-centric microreactor is being evaluated at London Gateway to provide firm, on-site power for logistics operations by 2030, following a project-specific licensing process. These concepts are based on modular fabrication, repeatable layouts, and brownfield integration, which are intended to address schedule and interface challenges

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have refreshed their memorandum of understanding to leverage prior reviews where appropriate, reducing duplicated effort while maintaining national requirements. In parallel, advanced fuel capability is being expanded to support designs that require high-assay low-enriched uranium, with new facilities planned to come on line around 2030. For UK delivery, programs are sequencing activities around generic design assessment, environmental permitting, grid connection, and early works, aiming to align manufacturing slots with site readiness. Combined with standardized modules and factory repetition, this approach is aimed at supporting earlier deployment of low-carbon generation for industrial loads, ports, and the grid.