Great British Nuclear (GBN) advances in selecting small modular reactor (SMR) technologies for the UK.
- After initial assessments, GE-Hitachi, Holtec Britain, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse Electric Co. are frontrunners in GBN’s process.
- Negotiations follow rigorous evaluations of safety, deliverability, and fleet development capabilities of each SMR design.
- The final decision on the chosen SMR technologies is anticipated by spring next year, with government backing for implementation.
- This strategic move aims to bolster the UK’s energy infrastructure, create jobs, and open export opportunities.
Great British Nuclear (GBN) is progressing with its plans to introduce small modular reactors (SMRs) in the UK, having started detailed discussions with four selected companies: GE-Hitachi, Holtec Britain, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse Electric Co. These firms emerged as the leading candidates after a comprehensive initial evaluation process that concluded in September. NuScale and EDF were also part of the competition but exited prior to this stage; NuScale withdrew while EDF did not meet documentation deadlines.
The selection process for these firms involved two rounds of assessments focusing on various criteria such as safety, deliverability, and potential to support the creation of a fleet of SMRs. GBN has indicated that each shortlisted technology has undergone thorough scrutiny and is currently viable under the UK’s regulatory standards. According to GBN, each technology is being considered for its suitability to integrate into the UK’s nuclear energy framework, with all designs advancing through regulatory procedures.
Simon Bowen, Chair of GBN, underscored the importance of this phase, describing it as a critical juncture for the SMR programme. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the SMR designs to contribute significantly to the UK’s future energy solutions. Bowen emphasised that the negotiation phase will help identify the best technologies to secure advantageous terms for the UK.
Looking ahead, the company or companies that secure GBN’s endorsement will receive governmental support, facilitating their deployment of SMRs. This initiative is poised to stimulate supply chain investment, boost job creation, and present new export potentials globally. GBN recently released a strategic document highlighting its commercial intentions, indicating investments ranging from £890M to £1.1bn, including significant allocations for project partners and construction.
The process for approving new nuclear technologies in the UK, known as the generic design assessment (GDA), involves several regulatory bodies, including the Office for Nuclear Regulation. This assessment ensures that nuclear power plant designs can be safely built, operated, and decommissioned. Among the contenders, Rolls-Royce SMR stands out as the only company to have completed Step 2 of the GDA to date, with others like GE-Hitachi and Holtec Britain steadily moving forward in their evaluations.
GBN’s strategic negotiations mark a pivotal step towards renewing the UK’s nuclear energy landscape.
