The UK and the US signed an agreement on Monday at COP29 held in Baku to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technology to help decarbonize industry and enhance energy security, according to British website GOV.UK.
The agreement, signed by UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and US Deputy Energy Secretary David Turk, aims to pool billions of pounds in nuclear research and development, involving the world’s leading academic institutions and nuclear innovators. The new agreement is expected to take effect on March 1, 2025.
Under the agreement, the UK will take a leading role in a new forum designed to foster information-sharing on advanced nuclear technologies. The goal is to make these technologies available for industrial use by 2030.
Emerging technologies like Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) can play a crucial role in decarbonizing heavy industries such as aviation fuel production, hydrogen, and advanced steel manufacturing. These reactors provide low-carbon heat and power, and their smaller size allows for factory-based production, which makes them faster and more cost-effective to build.
The initiative supports last year’s commitment at COP28 to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, with 31 countries—including the US and UK—as signatories on the pledge.
The UK is reversing its previous lack of nuclear development and advancing its nuclear reactor program, including the Great British Nuclear small modular reactor competition and the ongoing development of the Sizewell C project. New nuclear technologies will create thousands of skilled jobs and help ensure energy independence beyond 2030.
“Nuclear will play a vital role in our clean energy future. That’s why we are working closely with our allies to unlock the potential of cutting-edge nuclear technology. Advanced nuclear will help decarbonize industry by providing low-carbon heat and power, while also supporting new jobs and investment here in the UK,” Miliband stated.
As part of this agreement, Russia will no longer be a member of the Generation IV International Forum, ensuring that future collaborations remain among parties that share a commitment to nuclear safety norms.