US-based start-up Last Energy and DP World have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the world’s first port-centric microreactor NPP at London Gateway. The deal, backed by £80m ($108m) in private investment, was signed during US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK.
London Gateway is part of the Thames Freeport, which also includes Tilbury and Dagenham ports. It links cargo to over 130 ports in over 65 countries, handling a wide range of cargoes including more than 50 per cent of the UK’s deep-sea temperature-controlled imports. DP World London Gateway is the UK’s largest and most integrated logistics hub, with a container port, a rail terminal with more than 60 weekly services and a 9.25m square foot, well connected, Logistics Park. The facility opened in 2013.
Last Energy, a micro-nuclear technology developer founded in 2019, is proposing its PWR-20 design, based on pressurised water reactor technology. The fully modular microreactor, which produces 20 MWe, is designed for flexible siting, plug-and-play installation, and rapid scalability. Last Energy plans to own and operate its power plant on the customer’s site.
The initiative represents an £80m subsidy-free investment for the development of Last Energy’s first unit, providing power supply for DP World’s ongoing £1bn expansion of London Gateway. A PWR-20 would supply London Gateway with 20 MWe of electricity to power the logistics hub, with additional capacity being exported to the grid. The aim is to begin operations in 2030.
“Last Energy is transforming proven nuclear technology into practical, near-term projects that deliver clean power in years, not decades,” said Michael Jenner, CEO of Last Energy UK. “By bringing resilient nuclear energy infrastructure to DP World at London Gateway, one of the UK’s most strategically located ports and logistics hubs, we are enabling new opportunities for industrial growth and international trade.”
UK Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said: “The UK and US are world-leaders in nuclear technology – as demonstrated by plans for one of the world’s first micro nuclear power plants aiming to supply dedicated power for major port operations. Unlocking this could support growth in Corringham with DP World’s £1bn expansion of London Gateway. By working with the US, we will reap the benefits of this golden age of nuclear, powering British homes with clean, homegrown energy, delivering well-paid skilled jobs and getting energy bills down for good.”
In October 2024, Last Energy announced plans to deploy four microreactors in South Wales at a vacant site that housed the coal-fired Llynfi Power Station. The company obtained site control that month, followed by a US Export-Import Bank letter of intent for $103.7m to support the financing for the first installation, pending final commitment. In January, Last Energy accepted a grid connection offer from National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) for 22 MWe of export capacity and became the first microreactor developer to formally enter nuclear site licensing.
In July, the PWR-20 completed a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) conducted by the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the Environment Agency, and Natural Resources Wales (NRW). ONR noted that Last Energy’s aspiration to receive a nuclear site licence decision by December 2027 could be achieved if the necessary submissions are delivered to the required standard and according to schedule.
