The Great British Nuclear (GBN) competition is progressing as four firms move to the next stage with their small modular reactor (SMR) designs.
- The competition initially involved multiple contenders, but the field has narrowed down, with NuScale exiting in the initial phase.
- EDF previously withdrew in July after failing to meet documentation deadlines, leaving a competitive field vying for government-backed contracts.
- GE-Hitachi, Holtec Britain, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse Electric Co. are the remaining participants, each touting unique advancements and capabilities.
- The competition’s outcome is expected before the end of 2024, potentially impacting the future of UK energy infrastructure.
The Great British Nuclear (GBN) has progressed four small modular reactor (SMR) designs to the next phase of its competition. The contenders are GE-Hitachi, Holtec Britain, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse Electric Co., with NuScale dropping out after the initial tender phase. This marks a significant step in the UK government’s strategy to explore advanced nuclear technologies.
EDF’s exit from the competition in July came as a result of failing to submit necessary documents before the deadline, illustrating the stringent requirements of the process. This departure highlighted the competitive nature and high stakes involved, leaving four firms in the race for eventual government contracts to design, develop, and construct their SMR plants within the UK.
Now entering negotiations with GBN, these firms are vying for potential backing by the UK government. This backing would involve two-stage contracts fundamental for the deployment of SMR technology, a crucial element in the UK’s push for cleaner energy solutions. The government aims to announce one or two winners before the close of 2024, presenting a pivotal moment for the nation’s energy sector.
GE-Hitachi’s confidence is reflected in the words of Andy Champ, UK country leader, who points to their BWRX-300 project, already underway in Canada, as a testament to their capabilities. Executive Vice President Sean Sexstone praised the BWRX-300’s design as a cleaner, cost-efficient energy solution, echoing sentiments of preparedness to partner with GBN in the UK’s energy transition.
Rolls-Royce SMR boasts its status as the only domestic firm in the competition. CEO Chris Cholerton noted that the company is currently 18 months ahead in the regulatory approvals process, having completed Step 2 of the UK’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA). Such advancements position Rolls-Royce SMR as a formidable candidate, also gaining attention from international markets such as the Czech Republic and Sweden.
Westinghouse’s AP300 SMR is distinguished by its foundation on the AP1000 pressurised water reactor, which is already licensed in the UK, though not yet deployed. Patrick Fragman, President and CEO of Westinghouse, emphasized the design’s proven technologies and regulatory familiarity as competitive advantages that can facilitate market entry with efficiency.
Despite GE-Hitachi’s advanced progress and Rolls-Royce SMR’s domestic advantage, the competition remains fierce, underscored by each participant’s pride and confidence in their technological offerings.
The advancement of these four firms in the GBN competition underscores the UK’s commitment to pioneering nuclear solutions, with final decisions anticipated by the year’s end.
