In a significant boost to transatlantic relations, the United Kingdom and the United States announced a landmark “Tech Prosperity Deal” worth 31 billion pounds ($42 billion) during U.S. President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK on September 16, 2025. The agreement, unveiled amid ceremonial pomp at Windsor Castle hosted by King Charles and the royal family, underscores deepening cooperation in cutting-edge technologies with notable implications for energy security and innovation. While the pact primarily targets AI, quantum computing, and related fields, it includes commitments to civil nuclear energy projects, highlighting a strategic focus on sustainable power sources—though notably absent were discussions on ramping up UK oil and gas production.
The deal comes at a pivotal moment for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is under domestic pressure to stimulate economic growth following a sluggish post-Brexit recovery. With the US as the UK’s largest trading partner, the pact builds on existing tech investments, positioning Britain as a hub for innovation. “This deal has the potential to shape the future of millions of people on both sides of the Atlantic, and deliver growth and security,” Starmer said in a statement emphasizing its role in fostering bilateral ties.
Key Agreements and Investments Covered
The Tech Prosperity Deal encompasses a series of pledges from major U.S. tech giants to invest in UK infrastructure, research, and development. These commitments span artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and civil nuclear energy, aiming to accelerate technological advancements while addressing energy demands for data-intensive operations. Here’s a breakdown of the major components:
- Microsoft’s £22 Billion Pledge: The tech behemoth announced its largest-ever investment in the UK, focusing on expanding cloud computing and AI infrastructure. This includes the construction of Britain’s biggest AI supercomputer in Loughton, north-east London. The initiative will support joint AI model development for healthcare applications, potentially revolutionizing diagnostics and treatment through data-driven insights. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the improved U.S.-UK relations, noting America’s intent to remain a “trusted tech partner.”
- Nvidia’s AI Hardware Rollout: Nvidia committed to deploying 120,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) across the UK—its most extensive European deployment to date. Up to 60,000 Grace Blackwell Ultra chips will power the ambitious Stargate project in partnership with Nscale and OpenAI. Nvidia Vice President David Hogan described the move as transforming the UK into an “AI maker, not an AI taker,” emphasizing the energy-efficient design of these systems to support high-performance computing.
- Google’s £5 Billion Commitment: Google plans to build a new data center in Waltham Cross and bolster AI research through its DeepMind subsidiary. This investment will enhance machine learning capabilities, with applications in energy optimization and climate modeling.
- CoreWeave and Energy-Efficient Data Centers: Cloud computing firm CoreWeave pledged £1.5 billion for sustainable data centers in collaboration with Scottish partner DataVita, increasing its total UK investment to £2.5 billion. These facilities prioritize energy efficiency, aligning with global pushes for greener tech infrastructure.
Additional announcements from firms like Salesforce, Scale AI, BlackRock, Oracle, Amazon Web Services, and AI Pathfinder range from hundreds of millions to billions of pounds, covering areas such as quantum computing expansion and streamlined civil nuclear projects. The pact also includes collaborative efforts to develop AI for healthcare and advance quantum technologies, with a shared goal of bolstering scientific research and economic resilience.
A standout energy-related element is the emphasis on civil nuclear energy cooperation. The agreement pledges to “streamline civil nuclear projects,” which could accelerate the UK’s nuclear power ambitions under its Clean Power 2030 plan. This involves joint R&D to improve reactor efficiency and safety, potentially adding gigawatts of low-carbon capacity to the grid. While not quantified in dollar terms within the pact, this nuclear focus addresses Britain’s energy security challenges amid volatile global markets and the phase-out of aging fossil fuel plants.
Absence of Oil and Gas Discussions
Despite the energy implications of the tech investments—particularly the power-hungry nature of AI data centers—no explicit talks on increasing UK oil and gas production surfaced during Trump’s visit. The Reuters report on the announcement makes no reference to fossil fuels, North Sea drilling expansions, or related energy independence measures. This omission is notable given Trump’s historical advocacy for U.S. energy dominance through oil and gas, and ongoing debates in the UK over lifting fracking bans or boosting domestic extraction to counter inflation and supply risks.
Broader bilateral discussions during the visit touched on trade and security but steered clear of hydrocarbon specifics. Microsoft’s President Brad Smith alluded to warmer relations post the UK’s approval of the Activision Blizzard deal, stating, “I feel enormously better” about the partnership. However, energy policy appeared confined to nuclear and tech-enabled renewables, reflecting Starmer’s Labour government’s green agenda.
Implications for the Energy Sector
For the energy industry, the pact signals a pivot toward tech-driven transitions. AI supercomputers and data centers will demand substantial electricity—potentially straining the UK’s grid—but the emphasis on efficient, nuclear-backed infrastructure could mitigate this. Experts suggest these investments may indirectly support energy innovation, such as AI-optimized grid management or predictive maintenance for renewables.
This is funny in the post below from Stu Turley, President Trump says, “We don’t do wind, it’s too expensive, but you will be doing oil under this Prime Minister” – How fun.
We don’t do wind, but you will start using oil and gas under this prime minister – oh my, you can’t buy this kind of entertainment – 🤣🤣🤣🤣 That is my President – @EnergyAbsurdity , @IrinaSlav1 @thenemethreport pic.twitter.com/pqXqFnqOGL
— STUART TURLEY – Energy Podcast Host (@STUARTTURLEY16) September 18, 2025
As Trump wrapped up his visit with traditional state honors, the Tech Prosperity Deal positions the UK-US alliance as a powerhouse for 21st-century energy tech. While oil and gas enthusiasts may lament the lack of fossil fuel focus, the nuclear and AI synergies offer a forward-looking path to energy security. President Trump has been right alot, and if the UK starts openening up the North Sea again, you will be able to attribute it here.
Energy News Beat will continue monitoring developments as these pledges materialize.
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