UK Top 10 News

During President Trump's visit to the UK on September 16-17, 2025, a landmark US-UK agreement was announced to build new nuclear power plants, focusing on streamlining regulations and accelerating development.
The deal allows mutual recognition of each country's safety regimes, potentially cutting licensing times from three-four years to two years.
Centrica, owner of British Gas, partnered with US firm X-Energy to develop up to 12 advanced modular reactors (AMRs) in Hartlepool, each 80-megawatts, targeting operation by the mid-2030s.
This marks the UK's first AMR project, smaller than small modular reactors (SMRs) at 470-megawatts or mega-plants like Sizewell C (3,200-megawatts).
Additionally, a privately funded micro-nuclear plant is planned for London Gateway port.
The initiative addresses nuclear's high costs, with Sizewell C estimated at £38bn, adding burdens to energy bills.
Experts note France and Finland build similar designs at half the UK cost, and South Korea at one-sixth, urging reforms in regulations, planning, and risk cultures.
The backdrop includes recognition that low-carbon grids need reliable nuclear alongside renewables, especially post-gas price surges from Russia's Ukraine invasion.
If successful, 2025 could be pivotal for nuclear expansion.
Labour minister James Murray highlighted the £150bn investment's benefits, like job creation and cheaper energy from the Hartlepool reactors powering 1.5 million homes.
Critics remain skeptical of unproven SMR economics and site disputes, but the agreement signals optimism for nuclear's role in sustainable energy.