London Gateway to host GBP £80 million micro-nuclear power plant

Last Energy and DP World have announced a partnership to develop a micro-nuclear power plant at London Gateway.

The project is centred around a memorandum of understanding between Last Energy, a US-based micro-nuclear technology company, and DP World, a global logistics and trade firm, aiming to establish the world's first port-centric micro-nuclear facility.

Investment details

The planned facility represents a GBP £80 million, subsidy-free investment, marking Last Energy's initial unit. Its primary aim is to supply clean electricity to support the ongoing GBP £1 billion expansion at London Gateway, a strategically significant port and logistics centre in the UK.

This development is aligned with UK and US objectives to increase nuclear capacity and bolster long-term energy security. The proposed microreactor, known as PWR-20, is projected to provide 20 megawatts of electrical output (MWe), helping power the expanding logistics hub, and with surplus capacity distributed to the national grid.

Leadership perspectives

Michael Jenner, Chief Executive Officer, Last Energy UK, said:

"Last Energy is transforming proven nuclear technology into practical, near-term projects that deliver clean power in years, not decades. 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."

The comments come as the microreactor is intended to begin operations by 2030, with the goal of supporting electricity demand stemming from London Gateway's planned expansion and contributing to national energy resilience.

Ed Miliband, the UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, offered his perspective, stating:

"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."

Officials from both companies will collaborate with regulators and local stakeholders to ensure the microreactor project adheres to established standards for safety and environmental responsibility. Organisers indicate the undertaking will support decarbonisation and industrial development objectives in the UK.

About the London Gateway expansion

London Gateway, currently undergoing a significant GBP £1 billion upgrade, is set to add two all-electric berths and a second rail terminal. These investments are intended to enhance capacity at the site, which already handles over two million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) annually. The logistical hub is one of the UK's most important trading points and is expected to become the largest container port in the country within five years.

The upgrade forms part of DP World's commitment to improve environmental performance, including a move to all-electric berths and transitioning its port operations towards lower-carbon fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil and fully electric vehicles.

Technology and licensing

Last Energy's PWR-20 micro-nuclear power plant uses a pressurised water reactor technology, designed for factory-based fabrication and rapid on-site assembly. The company implements proven nuclear technology coupled with existing fuel supply chains and private capital to accelerate project delivery.

The PWR-20 model is currently in development at four locations in South Wales, where the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is carrying out a nuclear site licensing process. According to Last Energy, the ONR completed a preliminary design review of the PWR-20 in June 2025, outlining a licensing timetable expected to be completed by late 2027.

Once operational, the microreactor at London Gateway is set to not only supply the port's own needs but also potentially contribute additional power to the national electricity grid, helping to address anticipated increases in local and national demand as the logistics hub grows.