UK reaffirms major nuclear investments and IAEA support

The UK government announced the biggest UK nuclear programme in half a century, detailing specific funding commitments and increased collaboration with international partners and the IAEA.

• Main announcement: The UK committed £14bn to Sizewell C, £2.5 billion to Small Modular Reactors (with Rolls Royce SMR selected as preferred bidder), £2.5 billion to next-generation fusion, £300m for HALEU fuels (as part of Sapporo 5 commitments with the US, Canada, France and Japan), and reported £50 billion of clean energy investment in the past year; the Government also highlighted delivery of the Nuclear Skills Plan.
• Background, partnerships and timelines: The UK affirmed support for the IAEA (including continued contributions to the Nuclear Security Fund and over £1.2 million for Atoms4Food), referenced the Triple Nuclear by 2050 COP28 pledge, confirmed the AUKUS Naval Nuclear Propulsion Agreement entered into force in January, and noted the UK-Australia Geelong Treaty was signed in July; the UK, US and Australia are consulting with the IAEA on safeguards for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine programme.