Nuclear energy deals are expected this week between the United States and the United Kingdom during President Donald Trump’s visit to the UK that could stimulate a “golden age” of nuclear power, the countries said.
Trump departed Tuesday morning for the UK, according to the official White House schedule.
The agreements between the UK and U.S. nuclear companies should benefit “working people” through jobs and growth in their respective countries, according to the UK government’s Monday press release. The UK said the deals are aimed to “turbocharge” the build-out of new nuclear power stations.
According to the release, the two countries intend to expedite the installation of nuclear reactors for both UK and U.S. companies entering the market.
The deals also extend to studying the viability of nuclear fusion energy. Nuclear fusion is a source of clean energy that involves fusing light nuclei to create energy and helium and produces a lot of energy.
U.S. companies such as Holtec International and TerraPower have tentatively agreed to deals with UK companies to bring forth more nuclear power in the UK.
“This landmark UK-US nuclear partnership is not just about powering our homes, it’s about powering our economy, our communities, and our ambition,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in the release. “Together with the US, we’re building a golden age of nuclear energy that puts both countries at the forefront of global innovation and investment.”
Both the UK and U.S. are pushing nuclear power growth in their respective countries amid growing electricity demands.
According to an ICF, a Reston, Va.-based energy consulting firm, June report, the U.S. energy demand is projected to grow 25% by 2030. While the UK has committed to use nuclear energy as a part of its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.
“Today’s commercial deals set up a framework to unleash commercial access in both the U.S. and UK, enhancing global energy security, strengthening U.S. energy dominance, and securing nuclear supply chains across the Atlantic,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in the release.