US Microreactor Company To Power Major UK Port Expansion, Demonstrating UK-US Leadership In Nuclear Deployment
London, United Kingdom — Last Energy, a US-based micro-nuclear technology developer, and DP World, a global leader in logistics and trade, have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the world’s first port-centric micro nuclear power plant at London Gateway.
The initiative represents an £80 million, subsidy-free investment for the development of Last Energy’s first unit, unlocking clean power supply for DP World’s ongoing £1 billion expansion of London Gateway. The partnership is closely aligned with both UK and US ambitions to increase nuclear capacity and strengthen long-term energy security.
A proposed PWR-20 microreactor would supply London Gateway with 20 MWe of clean, reliable electricity to power the logistics hub, with additional capacity exported to the grid. Aiming to begin operations in 2030, the microreactor would help meet growing demand for electricity from London Gateway’s expansion while increasing grid reliability and national energy security.
“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.”
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 £1 billion 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.”
To deliver this vision, Last Energy and DP World will work closely with regulators and local stakeholders, ensuring the project meets the highest standards of safety, sustainability and community benefit, and contributes directly to the UK’s decarbonisation and industrial growth goals.
DP World London Gateway is currently undergoing a major £1 billion expansion, which will see two new all-electric berths and a second rail terminal added to the facility. Handling over two million TEU per year, London Gateway is one of the UK’s most strategically important trading hubs and is on track to become the largest throughput container port in the country within five years.
Last Energy’s PWR-20 is a 20-megawatt micro-nuclear power plant designed for factory fabrication and rapid assembly. The company intentionally uses proven pressurised water reactor technology, existing global fuel supply chains, and private financing to deliver projects rapidly and cost-effectively.
Last Energy is currently developing four PWR-20s in South Wales where the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is conducting nuclear site licensing. In June 2025, UK nuclear regulators completed a preliminary design review (PDR) of Last Energy’s PWR-20 technology, confirming a licensing schedule to conclude by the end of 2027.
About Last Energy
Last Energy is a US-based technology company focused on the fleet-wide deployment of its proprietary 20 MWe power plants. With active projects in the United States and United Kingdom, Last Energy is pioneering a practical, privately financed model for nuclear deployment near industrial facilities, data centres, and defence installations.
About DP World London Gateway
DP World London Gateway is the UK’s largest and most integrated logistics hub, with a container port handling more than 2 million TEUs per year, a rail terminal with more than 60 weekly services and a 9.25 million square foot, well connected, Logistics Park. The facility opened in 2013.
Contact: Jacob Jimenez | media@lastenergy.com
