The United Kingdom and United States have joined forces at COP29 to speed up the deployment of cutting-edge nuclear technology to help decarbonise industry and boost energy security. The cooperation aims to support information-sharing on advanced nuclear technologies and make them available for use in industry by 2030.
The UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk signed an agreement to this end on 18 November while in Baku for climate talks. The cooperation will help pool together billions of pounds worth of nuclear research and development – including the world’s leading academic institutions and nuclear innovators.
The new agreement will come into force from 1 March 2025.
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Triple nuclear energy capacity globally by 2050
New technologies such as advanced modular reactors can help decarbonise heavy industry such as aviation fuel, hydrogen or advanced steel production, by providing low-carbon heat and power. They are also smaller and can be made in factories, making them quicker and cheaper to build.
This will support the commitment made last year at COP28 to triple nuclear energy capacity globally by 2050, with 31 countries signed up including the US and UK.
The UK is reversing a legacy of no nuclear being delivered and moving forward with its advanced nuclear reactor programme and Great British Nuclear’s small modular reactor competition, as well as continuing development of the Sizewell C project. The UK government states that new nuclear will help to secure thousands of good, skilled jobs and support energy independence beyond 2030.
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‘Vital role in clean energy future’
‘Nuclear will play a vital role in our clean energy future,’ states Miliband. ‘That is why we are working closely with our allies to unleash the potential of cutting-edge nuclear technology. Advanced nuclear technology will help decarbonise industry by providing low-carbon heat and power, supporting new jobs and investment here in the UK.’
As part of this new agreement, the Generation IV International Forum will no longer include Russia – ensuring future collaborations remain among mutually willing parties who respect nuclear safety norms.
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