The Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy promises to slash reactor licensing from four years to two through mutual recognition of safety assessments between US and UK regulators. With £52 billion in immediate commercial commitments following the announcement, the financial incentives are clear—faster approvals dramatically improve developer cash flows and project financing. Yet this regulatory harmonization raises questions about whether shortened review periods serve genuine safety verification or simply accommodate industry financing timelines and investor return expectations.
The Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy promises to slash reactor licensing from four years to two through mutual recognition of safety assessments between US and UK regulators. With £52 billion in immediate commercial commitments following the announcement, the financial incentives are clear—faster approvals dramatically improve developer cash flows and project financing. Yet this regulatory harmonization raises questions about whether shortened review periods serve genuine safety verification or simply accommodate industry financing timelines and investor return expectations.