UK and US nuclear experts have formed a landmark partnership to co-develop the Pegasus HALEU transport system, advancing safer next-generation reactor fuel, strengthening energy security, and supporting low-carbon power
The UK and the United States have taken a major step forward in nuclear cooperation, with leading experts from both countries signing a landmark partnership to co-develop the Pegasus High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) transport package.
Finalised at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., the agreement aims to safely transport next-generation nuclear fuel and speed delivery of advanced reactors that strengthen energy security, support low-carbon power, and advance innovation.
Pegasus HALEU Transport Package
Pegasus is designed as the leading transport package for HALEU, a more efficient nuclear fuel set to power many next-generation advanced reactors.
These reactors deliver low-carbon, domestic energy and support emerging technologies.
The UK-US agreement reinforces a secure, reliable energy supply in both countries, formalising the exchange of technical expertise, safety protocols, and insights between NTS and Westinghouse.
In 2024, the UK government awarded NTS £10.5 million to lead HALEU transport development. As part of the NDA, NTS benefits from close government links and top UK nuclear expertise.
Ben Whittard, NTS Co-CEO, said: “This partnership allows us to deliver our expertise in the secure transport of advanced nuclear fuel in the UK and the US. The growth of AI and the need for reliable, ultra-low carbon energy demonstrate the importance of nuclear power in our future, and we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of its development.”
Sophie Lemaire, Interim Co-President of Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel, said: “We are very pleased with our new collaboration with NTS to co-develop the Pegasus HALEU transport package. This is an important step in making HALEU available in the US and UK.
The signing marks another significant step in the UK-US golden age of nuclear energy security. It is helping to unlock a major expansion of new nuclear projects across both countries, supporting energy security and the UK’s mission to deliver more clean, homegrown power.”
Minister for Nuclear Lord Vallance said: “Developing our own capability to make and transport advanced nuclear fuel is critical to shoring up our position as a nuclear world leader.
Not only does this improve our energy security at home and reduce our reliance on Russian nuclear fuel, but it also provides export opportunities to grow our economy and ensure our allies can build resilient supply chains.”
This agreement builds on our close co-operation with the US on nuclear energy.
NDA Group CEO, David Peattie, said: “This agreement is yet another example of how the NDA group is driving forward the Government’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower.
Pegasus represents a transformative step in advancing the UK’s energy independence and low-carbon ambitions, unlocking export potential and cementing the nation’s role as a world leader in nuclear innovation.
It also further reinforces NTS’s place as a global leader in delivering safe, secure, and dependable nuclear transport and logistics solutions.”
British Embassy in Washington Chargé d’Affaires, James Roscoe, said: “Between the UK and the US, our commitment to developing new frontiers in nuclear energy is shifting from promise to reality – and this partnership between NTS and Westinghouse is a prime example of that ambition.
This deal will see British and American innovators deepen collaboration on engineering, safety, regulatory understanding, and fuel handling expertise – ensuring that our two nations maintain the technological edge in nuclear energy.”
