In connection with President Donald Trump’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, the United States and the United Kingdom unveiled a slate of new and expanded agreements designed to accelerate cooperation in nuclear energy, advanced technologies, and professional engagement. These deals are intended to be a significant step forward in our longstanding transatlantic alliance, aligning regulatory efforts, advancing innovation, and reinforcing the shared goal of a secure, clean energy future.
US and UK Nuclear Regulators Expand Cooperation on Advanced Reactor Reviews
On September 15, 2025, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the United Kingdom’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) renewed and expanded their memorandum of understanding (MOU), reaffirming a decades-long partnership that began in 1975.
This renewed agreement aims to streamline regulatory reviews for advanced nuclear technologies, reduce duplication, and enable faster deployment of next-generation reactors. The collaboration includes a third key partner, the Environment Agency (EA) of England, which signed its own MOU with the NRC in 2024.
Together, with respect to reactor design reviews pending before all of them, these three regulators plan to do the following:
- Cut duplication and fast-track decisions, with a goal of completing reactor design reviews within two years and nuclear site licensing within one year
- Share the regulatory load, allowing each agency to lead on specific technical areas while maintaining independent oversight
- Accelerate reviews across jurisdictions, leveraging existing assessments to speed up decisions in the second country
- Focus efforts on technologies already in or near licensing stages in the United States and United Kingdom
US-UK Technology Prosperity Deal
On September 18, 2025, the two nations also signed a broader Technology Prosperity Deal, a wide-ranging MOU that deepens bilateral collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), civil nuclear, fusion, quantum technologies, and other emerging innovation sectors.
The agreement sets out a strategic framework for the United States and United Kingdom to maintain leadership in frontier technologies while addressing global challenges. Key areas of focus include:
AI and Scientific Innovation
- Joint flagship research initiatives between US and UK science agencies (the US Department of Energy; National Science Foundation; UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; UK Research and Innovation; etc.)
- Collaboration on AI for health, biotechnology, space, and fusion energy
- Development of secure AI infrastructure and policy frameworks, including data centers
Civil Nuclear and Fusion Energy
- Streamlined licensing processes for nuclear technologies in both countries
- Shared goal to fully replace Russian nuclear fuel by 2028
- Harmonized regulation and support for maritime nuclear applications and defense energy resilience
- Collaboration to unlock third-country markets for US and UK nuclear exports
Quantum Technology Leadership
- Establishment of a US-UK benchmarking taskforce
- A new Quantum Code Challenge to stimulate algorithm development
- Deeper research and industry engagement through exchange programs and national labs
Laying the Foundations for Frontier Innovation
- Shared research security protocols and talent exchange
- Joint development of 6G technologies, cyber resilience, and secure telecoms
- Coordination on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) and secure private investment in critical technologies
A ministerial-level working group will be established within six months to oversee implementation and prioritize strategic initiatives under the MOU.
ANS and Nuclear Institute Announce Reciprocal Membership Agreement
In support of growing collaboration across the nuclear sectors, the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and the UK’s Nuclear Institute (NI), the nuclear professional organizations for each country, announced a reciprocal membership agreement. The partnership is designed to strengthen professional ties and foster knowledge-sharing between US and UK nuclear experts.
Key benefits for members include:
- Member-rate access to conferences, workshops, and webinars
- Full access to each organization’s technical publications and digital libraries
- Expanded professional development opportunities and access to specialized divisions
This reciprocal membership is valid for one year from the date of enrollment.
NI members in the United States can apply through the ANS website, and ANS members can apply through the NI site.
Conclusion
These agreements are intended to strengthen a shared commitment to innovation, safety, and global leadership in advanced nuclear energy and emerging technologies.