LONDON: Britain and the United States are set to sign more than $10 billion in economic deals focusing on technology and nuclear energy during President Donald Trump’s state visit this week, officials from both countries announced Monday.
Trump will be joined by a significant number of American tech CEOs when he meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his country residence, Chequers, on Thursday. Senior U.S. officials confirmed that among the leaders attending will be the heads of Nvidia, a leading chipmaker, and OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
“This visit will highlight a new science and technology partnership that will include billions of dollars in new investment,” a senior U.S. official told reporters, including AFP. “We’re looking at more than $10 billion, perhaps tens of billions. We know for sure there’s definitely more than $10 billion, but there’s a lot.”
The two governments will also sign a landmark agreement to accelerate the development of new nuclear power projects in the UK, the British government said. The partnership is expected to speed regulatory approvals and unlock substantial private-sector investment as the UK works toward its net-zero carbon emissions and energy security goals.
‘Golden age of nuclear’
Under the agreement, the UK and U.S. will mutually recognize each other’s safety assessments for new nuclear reactor designs, a move expected to reduce licensing times from three or four years to just two years.
Prime Minister Starmer praised the deal, saying it puts the UK “on course to a golden age of nuclear.”
The countries will also announce advancements in defense technology cooperation and enhanced financial ties between their major financial hubs, according to U.S. officials.
President Trump is scheduled to arrive in Britain late Tuesday for his historic second state visit. King Charles III will host a royal reception at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, followed by the meeting with Starmer at Chequers on Thursday.
The business roundtable at Chequers will feature the attendance of several leading American tech CEOs, signaling a strong emphasis on expanding transatlantic tech collaborations.
Tensions amid cooperation
The upcoming tech investments come despite ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and London, particularly concerning the UK’s digital tax policies. Trump has threatened tariffs on companies perceived to be targeting American tech firms.
Meanwhile, the nuclear deal reflects Britain’s renewed focus on nuclear power as a core component of its energy strategy, especially following the conflict in Ukraine. The UK government has stressed that nuclear energy is vital for both energy security and meeting environmental targets, particularly as many of its current power plants near retirement.
The partnership commits to eliminating any remaining reliance on Russian nuclear material by the end of 2028, a move that aims to cut off Russian President Vladimir Putin from the global energy market, the UK stated.
Commercial deals announced
Monday’s announcements included several significant commercial partnerships. U.S. company X-energy will collaborate with British Gas owner Centrica to construct up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, northeast England.
Additionally, U.S. firm Holtec, French energy giant EDF, and British company Tritax will develop data centers powered by small modular reactors. These reactors are designed to reduce the cost and complexity of building nuclear power infrastructure.
The cooperation also extends to experimental nuclear fusion programs — an emerging technology that promises emissions-free electricity without the production of nuclear waste.
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