UK and US collaborate on advanced nuclear technologies at COP29

The UK and US have announced a partnership at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to advance nuclear technologies aimed at industrial decarbonisation and energy security. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk signed an agreement to fund billions of pounds in nuclear research and development, engaging leading academic institutions and innovators from both nations.

The UK will lead an international forum to promote information-sharing on advanced nuclear technologies, with a focus on deployment for industrial use by 2030. Technologies like advanced modular reactors, offering low-carbon heat and power, are expected to aid decarbonisation in key sectors such as hydrogen, aviation fuel, and steel production. These smaller, factory-made reactors promise cost efficiency and scalability.

The initiative aligns with the COP28 commitment to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, involving 31 countries, including the UK and US. The agreement, effective from March 2025, also excludes Russia from the Generation IV International Forum, ensuring adherence to international nuclear safety standards.

Miliband emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in the clean energy transition, stating it will support decarbonisation, create jobs, and strengthen energy independence post-2030. The UK’s ongoing projects, such as Great British Nuclear’s small modular reactor competition and Sizewell C, reflect these ambitions.

Rising concerns over fossil fuel lobbyists at COP29

Meanwhile, controversy emerged at COP29 over the presence of 480 lobbyists advocating for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies. The lobbyists outnumbered the core delegations of the US, UK, Canada, and the EU combined. According to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), nearly half of these lobbyists are embedded within national delegations or invited as guests by the COP29 Presidency.

CCUS remains divisive, with critics labelling it a lifeline for the fossil fuel industry and citing its high failure rate—78% of large-scale projects have been cancelled or stalled. CIEL called for reforms in climate negotiations to limit the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists, emphasizing the need to prioritize voices from climate-impacted communities.