Under MOU, London and D.C. seek to shed dependence on Russian nuclear fuel

The United States and the United Kingdom concluded a joint summit Thursday by putting out a memorandum of understanding on “technology prosperity,” including cooperation on issues from nuclear energy to artificial intelligence.

While the deal between the Trans-Atlantic allies seeks to deepen collaboration on all-things-nuclear, it also sets out a goal of shedding dependence on nuclear fuel from Russia.

The parties envision “ensuring a secure and reliable supply chain for advanced nuclear fuels in both countries, and achieving full independence from Russian nuclear fuel by the end of 2028,” according to the document.

While the United States is the world’s top generator of electricity from nuclear power, Russia dominates the nuclear fuel supply chain as explained in this 2024 video from the Wall Street Journal. A recent published report indicates the US continues to import low-enriched uranium from Russia despite trade restrictions.

The UK and US also vowed in the MOU to be “championing safe and secure deployment of civil nuclear exports in third countries,” according to the memorandum.

“The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter MOU) is to enable collaboration towards joint opportunities of mutual interest in strategic science and technology disciplines, including artificial intelligence (AI), civil nuclear, fusion, and quantum technologies,” according to the press release posted by the UK.

The participating countries also want to explore “novel applications of advanced nuclear energy,” according to the MOU. This includes “civil maritime applications, and playing a leading role informing the establishment of international standards, potential establishment of a maritime shipping corridor between the Participants’ territories, and strengthening energy resilience for the Participants’ defense facilities.”

The countries’ increased cooperation will also include areas such as space exploration and quantum computing. 

Together, the U.S. and the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are seeking to “usher in the next Golden Age of Innovation to fortify freedom and prosperity for generations to come,” according to the document.

“The Participants intend to lead the world in a nuclear sector that will play a defining role in the future of energy, security, and economic might,” according to the MOU statement. “Together the Participants intend to pioneer breakthrough technologies, streamline and accelerate regulatory processes, identify and address market barriers, secure our supply chains, beat strategic competitors to market dominance, and create high-paying jobs for American and British workers. “

The statement says the two parties will work closely in fields such as advanced reactors, advanced nuclear fuels and nuclear fusion. The deal seeks to deepen the allies’ cooperation “on non-proliferation and security programs.”

The MOU participants intend to set up a ministerial-level working group within six months.  The working group should serve as a “strategic forum to guide bilateral cooperation” and set priorities.