London Gateway could become the first UK logistics hub to run its operations on nuclear microreactor technology. The announcement was made on 14 September 2025, within the framework of the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, an accord signed by Britain and the United States to fast-track authorisations and share reactor safety assessments. The project will be led by Last Energy in partnership with DP World and involves a private investment of £80 million (about €92 million), with no public subsidies.
The reactor selected is the Pwr-20, a modular pressurised water technology that generates 20 MWe, equivalent to 80 MWt thermal, and is scheduled to come online in 2030. Built and tested in the factory before integration on site, the system shortens construction time to around 24 months and does not require direct access to water sources thanks to air cooling. The facility will take up an area the size of a football pitch and is designed to guarantee service continuity with an expected availability of 95 per cent.
On the regulatory front, Last Energy has successfully completed the Preliminary Design Review with UK regulators, becoming the first microreactor developer to reach this milestone in Britain. The Office for Nuclear Regulation has confirmed that securing a licence by December 2027 is a realistic goal, provided the timetable is met.
The initiative ties in with DP World’s ongoing £1 billion expansion programme at London Gateway, launched in May 2025. The investment includes two new 400-metre electrified berths, a second rail terminal and the capacity to handle up to six of the world’s largest containerships. More than 1,000 jobs are expected during the construction phase and a further 400 permanent roles at the port, adding to the 5,500 already supported by DP World’s UK operations.
From a strategic perspective, the microreactor will strengthen Britain’s energy security and support the country’s aim of ending reliance on Russian nuclear materials by 2028. The agreement with the United States also foresees a streamlined two-year authorisation process and the reinforcement of Western supply chains for enriched fuel.
The project nonetheless raises long-term considerations, including public acceptance, the need for a skilled workforce and the sustainability of private financing. If delivered on schedule, however, it will set an important precedent for deploying microreactors in logistics and industrial settings. The Nuclear Industry Association notes that the sector currently employs 98,000 people across the UK.
