First Light Fusion's Low-Cost Fusion Compression Technology Achieves Experimental Validation, Driving Source Cost Expected to Drop by an Order of Magnitude

UK commercial fusion innovator First Light Fusion has announced that its independently developed pulse power facility M3 (M3 pulse power facility) has successfully completed a series of proof-of-principle experiments, formally validating the core fuel compression physics mechanism of its proprietary fusion pathway FLARE (Fusion via Low-power Assembly and Rapid Excitation). The experiments confirmed that, relying on a precisely designed Multi-layered liner, fusion fuel can be effectively compressed to a high-density state using a driver with a more streamlined configuration and lower peak power. The core design logic of the FLARE technology pathway...

2026-09-24

Poland's SGE Advances Plan to Build 14 BWRX-300 SMRs in the UK

Polish energy development company SGE (formerly Synthos Green Energy) is advancing a project to deploy a reactor fleet consisting of 14 BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs) in the UK. The project joint team stated that it has full confidence in the commercial economic model and the complete supply chain delivery capability of the plan. SGE formally submitted its project application in July under the UK's Advanced Nuclear Framework. The fleet's total planned installed capacity reaches 4.2 gigawatts (GW), equivalent to 11% of the UK's current total electricity demand. SGE has formed an engineering and technology alliance that includes Samsung C&T (Samsung C&T)...

2026-09-24

X-energy and Centrica Partner to Launch the UK's First Xe-100 Advanced Modular Nuclear Power Plant Project

The UK government has approved the regulatory assessment phase for advanced reactors, marking an important step forward for the construction of a new generation of nuclear power plants. X-energy and Centrica are collaborating to build a new generation of nuclear power plants in the UK using the Xe-100 advanced modular reactor, with the first project sited at Hartlepool. This collaboration is of great significance, marking substantial progress on the UK's nuclear energy development path and laying the foundation for broader nuclear power plant construction in the future. Alistair Black, Vice President and UK Market Lead at X-energy, emphasized that since signing the cooperation agreement with Centrica, both parties have been working together on the first project at Hartlepool...

2026-09-18

Planning permission granted for tunnel component production facility for Sizewell C nuclear power station in the UK

The Sizewell C nuclear power station project in the UK has successfully obtained planning permission to build a dedicated tunnel component production facility at Avonmouth in Bristol. The factory will be responsible for producing 38,000 precast concrete segments as well as tunnel head pieces for the three subsea tunnels of Sizewell C. All finished components will be transported by rail and water to the Sizewell C construction site in Suffolk, which directly supports the project's environmental commitment that at least 60% of construction materials will be transported by rail and sea. Subject to the relevant preconditions being met, the facility is expected to officially begin production in 2028....

2026-09-18

Two UK nuclear companies sign memorandum of understanding to jointly develop nuclear microreactor

Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) and Cambridge Atomworks have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which the two companies will engage in deep collaboration on a UK-built nuclear microreactor. Cambridge Atomworks is an ambitious and vibrant nuclear engineering startup whose core goal is to build a nuclear microreactor in the UK for off-grid applications. The signing of this memorandum of understanding marks that the two companies will jointly explore how to maximize CVE's deep expertise in electron beam welding, including the company's Ebflow technology, which has been proven to significantly accelerate the production process of key nuclear power components such as reactor vessels...

2026-09-18

UK and Cook Islands Sign International Legal Instruments, Reaffirming Commitment to International Nuclear Cooperation

At the annual treaty signing event held during the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, the United Kingdom and the Cook Islands each deposited relevant legal instruments, demonstrating their strong commitment to the international legal framework supporting the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that by acceding to such treaties, contracting parties not only assume important national responsibilities but also signal to the international community their dedication to building a solid legal framework to ensure the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear technology. During the event, the United Kingdom deposited the ratification of the Amendment to the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage...

2026-09-17

US and UK Join Forces to Accelerate Commercialization of Fusion Energy

At the Global Fusion Policy Summit held in London on Monday, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), which operates under the US Department of Energy, signed a joint statement of intent. The two sides plan to establish a partnership called the SUNRISE–STELLAR-AI Federation, integrating the UK's first supercomputer dedicated to fusion research, SUNRISE (funded by the UK government with £45 million), with PPPL's STELLAR-AI supercomputing platform (costing $13 million), to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate fusion energy R&D. The collaboration builds on a memorandum of understanding signed by both parties in June this year and will utilize the UKAEA...

2026-09-16

UK Regulator Initiates Design Assessment of Xe-100 Reactor

The UK regulator has formally initiated the assessment of the Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor design proposed by X-energy, marking an important step for the UK in developing advanced nuclear technology. This decision follows the completion of a review by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero of the application from X-energy UK Holdings Limited. In the same period last year, Centrica signed a joint development agreement with an X-energy subsidiary, planning to deploy Xe-100 reactors in the UK and selecting Hartlepool in northeast England as the preferred site, with the potential to build up to 6 million kilowatts of nuclear power plant capacity in the future. The Generic Design Assessment (GDA) is a comprehensive assessment conducted by the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation, the Environment Agency, and Natural Resources Wales of new reactor designs proposed for deployment in the UK, aimed at ensuring their safety, reliability, and environmental impact meet strict standards. This assessment is independent of site-specific construction applications, and only after passing all stages of assessment can the relevant permits and approvals be obtained.

2026-09-16

Canada Promotes Uranium Resources and Nuclear Industry to the UK

Recently, Scott Moe, Premier of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, led a trade and investment delegation to the United Kingdom, focusing on promoting the province's abundant uranium resources and its expertise and experience in the nuclear energy sector. The visit aimed to demonstrate to the UK side that Saskatchewan possesses the resource reserves, research and development infrastructure, and complete industrial chain conditions to advance nuclear energy development, and to create opportunities for local enterprises to expand into overseas markets. Scott Moe stated in an official statement that the province has abundant uranium resources, well-established nuclear energy research infrastructure, and mature supply chain capabilities, and is fully equipped to become a world leader in nuclear energy development....

2026-09-14

UK Nuclear Industry Association and Ukrainian Nuclear Forum Sign Nuclear Energy Cooperation Memorandum

On September 10, 2026, the UK Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) and the Ukrainian Nuclear Forum signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation in areas including decommissioning of complex nuclear facilities, deployment of small modular reactors, and securing "trusted partner" status under the EU's Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). Nuclear energy is an important source of Ukraine's wartime electricity supply, accounting for approximately 55% of the country's electricity supply. This cooperation builds on existing UK-Ukraine nuclear fuel cooperation. Urenco, one-third owned by the UK government, has supplied Ukraine with...

2026-09-12

Canada and UK Nuclear Institutes Sign Reciprocal Membership Agreement to Strengthen Nuclear Professional Cooperation

On September 8, 2026, the Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) and the UK's Nuclear Institute (NI) announced the signing of a cooperation agreement at the Canada-UK Nuclear Day, establishing a reciprocal membership mechanism and promoting closer collaboration between the two professional organizations. Under the agreement, members of either organization can join the other free of charge and enjoy corresponding membership benefits, including registering for conferences and events hosted by the other organization at member discount rates. The arrangement aims to facilitate skills exchange, knowledge sharing, and professional networking between nuclear professionals in Canada and the UK, while supporting the career development of members in both countries. CNS President Daniel Gammage stated that the Canadian Nuclear Society is...

2026-09-09

UK Tokamak Energy completes testing of Demo4 fusion high-temperature superconducting magnet system

On September 9, 2026, Tokamak Energy of the UK announced the completion of a 14-month testing campaign for its Demo4 fusion magnet system, validating the company's capabilities in the design, manufacture, integration, and operation of complete high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet systems. The technical experience gained from Demo4 testing is now being applied to the collaboration between Tokamak Energy and UK Fusion Energy (UKFE), supporting the development of HTS magnet systems for the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) fusion program. The results also target HTS commercial applications beyond fusion, and...

2026-09-09

UK Rolls-Royce SMR Signs Memorandum of Understanding with ABB on Small Modular Reactors

On September 8, 2026, ABB and Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (Rolls-Royce SMR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on small modular reactor projects. Under the MoU, ABB will study how its automation, electrification, instrumentation, and communications solutions can be applied to the scaled deployment of related projects. Rolls-Royce SMR is developing standardized, factory-prefabricated small modular reactor technology aimed at reducing nuclear project risks, improving delivery certainty, and providing low-carbon electricity in global markets. The company plans to develop a fleet of units, each with an electrical output of 470 megawatts, capable of meeting the electricity needs of one million UK households...

2026-09-09

UK's First TerraPower Natrium Reactor Could Generate Power by 2034

TerraPower, the US nuclear power company backed by Bill Gates, expects its Natrium sodium-cooled reactor could generate electricity in the UK as early as 2034. If the project progresses smoothly, the UK will become the company's first market for deploying this technology outside the United States. TerraPower CEO Chris Levesque said that given the company's first Natrium reactor project is scheduled for completion in 2031, the Natrium technology is highly likely to become a reality in the UK by 2034. The technology has already met relevant US regulatory requirements, and the first unit is under construction in Wyoming. In recent years, the UK has accelerated the development of small modular re...

2026-09-08

Key steam turbine components for UK Rolls-Royce SMRs to be produced in Newcastle

Key steam turbine components for the first three small modular reactors planned by Rolls-Royce SMR for the Wylfa project on Anglesey, North Wales, will be manufactured in the UK. Siemens Energy's Newcastle facility will undertake the production of components including high-pressure turbines and valve casings. This marks the first time in Europe that such components have been produced domestically for small modular reactors. Under the arrangement, the Siemens Energy Newcastle facility is also planned to become the company's key component service centre for the Rolls-Royce SMR UK project fleet. The facility is located on the historic...

2026-09-04

UK and US Ports and Shipping Organizations Study Nuclear-Powered Container Ship Deployment Across the Atlantic

UK classification society and professional consultancy Lloyd's Register, Danish shipping company Maersk, the Port of Charleston in the United States, and the Port of Felixstowe in the United Kingdom are collaborating on the "Pink Corridor" project to study the safety and security requirements involved in deploying nuclear-powered container ships on transatlantic routes. (Image credit: Lloyd's Register) The project uses a conceptual nuclear-powered container ship as its research subject, focusing on analyzing the port access conditions and regulatory requirements it may face when operating on a commercial route between the Port of Charleston in South Carolina and the Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk, UK.

2026-09-04

Amentum Selected for UK Grid Upgrade and Protection Projects

Amentum has announced that it has been selected by SSEN Transmission to undertake strategic roles under two UK energy framework agreements, providing digital and cybersecurity engineering services for UK grid upgrades. Under the arrangements, Amentum will serve as the sole supplier of high-end cybersecurity engineering services, contributing to the digitalization and security capability enhancement of the UK power grid. The services will focus on critical asset protection, digital capability expansion, operational data application, and security architecture development for grid operations. SSEN Transmission is the owner of the high-voltage transmission system in northern Scotland...

2026-09-02

UK Poll Shows Nuclear Power as Respondents' Top Choice for Future Power Source

A latest YouGov survey commissioned by Eland Cables shows that the British public broadly supports the development of renewable energy, but many respondents remain skeptical about its ability to independently deliver low-cost, stable power supply. Among priority options for future power sources, nuclear power ranks first with 21% support, higher than solar power's 19% and offshore wind's 18%. The survey results show that 47% of UK respondents support the construction of nuclear power plants. However, when nuclear projects are set to be built locally in respondents' areas, the support rate drops to 38%, reflecting a disparity in acceptance of nuclear projects at the national versus local level. On renewable energy...

2026-08-30

UK JET Decommissioning Project to Trial Asset-Based Decommissioning Approach

The JET Decommissioning and Repurposing (JDR) project recently announced that it will trial an asset-based decommissioning approach in three areas of the JET facility during the next phase of work. These areas were once part of the power supply infrastructure during JET plasma operations. This trial work will support the overall development of the Culham Campus and, in conjunction with the Strategic Investment and Development for Energy and AI (STRIDE) programme, facilitate land remediation to create conditions for the installation of a fourth supergrid transformer. JDR has signed a contract with Ramco UK to undertake the relevant trial work. JDR Engineering Integration Manager Steve...

2026-08-28

Cambridge AtomWorks Opens New Laboratory at Granta Park to Develop ODIN Microreactor

Cambridge AtomWorks announced on August 27 that its new light industrial facility and laboratory at Granta Park in Cambridge, UK, has officially entered service. The site, leased from TWI (The Welding Institute), will be used to advance research and development work related to the ODIN microreactor. According to the company, the new laboratory has already begun conducting experiments closely linked to ODIN microreactor development, including studies on coolant properties and behavior. The research team is using an STA-MS system to characterize material properties related to fuel performance, which enables simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis, heat flow analysis, and mass spectrometry. The new facility will also be used for reactor flow...

2026-08-28

UK's Babcock Adds Quest Global to Engineering Services Framework Including Nuclear Energy

Quest Global Engineering Services Limited announced on August 26 that it has been included in Babcock International Group's engineering services framework, further expanding engineering collaboration between the two companies in areas such as nuclear energy. Under the agreement, the engineering services framework has a term of five years. The two parties have been collaborating since 2023 across project areas including nuclear, marine, aviation, land, and mission systems. This inclusion in the framework is seen as part of Babcock's efforts to build closer, longer-term relationships with key suppliers. Gareth Watson, Quest Global's strategic business lead...

2026-08-27