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 UK Energy Secretary and US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk have
today (Monday 18 November) signed a new agreement while in Baku
for climate talks that will help pool together billions of pounds
worth of nuclear research and development – including the world's
leading academic institutions and nuclear innovators.
The UK will take a leading role in the forum, which aims to
support information-sharing on advanced nuclear technologies and
make them available for use in industry by 2030.
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. New
nuclear will help to secure thousands of good, skilled jobs and
support energy independence beyond 2030.
Energy Secretary said:
Nuclear will play a vital role in our clean energy future.
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.
The new agreement will come into force from 1 March 2025 and is
expected to also be signed by: Canada, France, Japan, Republic of
Korea, Republic of South Africa, China, Euratom, Switzerland and
Australia.
