The Great British Nuclear (GBN) is advancing its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project, unveiling a substantial £1.1bn investment pipeline.
- GBN, a government entity, aims to appoint two suppliers as part of the SMR competition, now narrowed to four finalists.
- The organisation plans to allocate funds across five key contract areas, including a £600M-£800M budget for a project delivery partner.
- An owner’s engineer role and foundation engineering are critical components, with contracts valued up to £50M and £40M, respectively.
- Finalists are negotiating with GBN, with the decision on winning bidders to be announced by year’s end.
The Great British Nuclear (GBN), a pivotal government body, is spearheading the competition to support the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). With four finalists remaining, GBN is on the verge of appointing two suppliers, supported by a significant financial commitment of up to £1.1bn. This allocation underscores the government’s resolve in advancing nuclear infrastructure within the UK, with announcements expected by the end of the year.
In the ambitious project, GBN has outlined five core areas of focus, allocating substantial budgets to each. The most prominent of these is the search for a project delivery partner, with a contract valued between £600M and £800M. This role is envisaged to last around a decade, focusing on the integration and delivery of SMR projects.
The owner’s engineer contract has also been highlighted as essential, with an estimated value of £30M to £50M. This position is integral to providing technical assurance and independent advice to GBN, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of SMR projects. The presence of two suppliers, guided by call-off contracts, signals GBN’s intention to elevate the role of technical oversight in the project.
Foundation engineering capability is another critical focus area. This contract is valued at £30M to £40M, involving the front-end design and planning necessary to underpin the SMR infrastructure. This phase is scheduled to start in March 2025, paving the way for essential groundwork and structural assessments necessary to ensure robust project foundations.
The competition among SMR developers, featuring GE-Hitachi, Holtec Britain, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse Electric Co., is fierce. Following the initial tender phase, competitors such as NuScale and EDF were unable to proceed. Now, the remaining contenders are engaged in crucial negotiations, striving to secure government backing for their SMR technologies. The successful proposal will receive comprehensive government support, potentially leading to two-stage design and construction contracts.
The culmination of this rigorous selection process will shape the future of nuclear energy deployment in the United Kingdom.
