In a significant development, Great British Nuclear (GBN) has identified six key contenders to advance the United Kingdom’s nuclear energy objectives. This strategic move aligns with the UK government’s plan to expand nuclear energy capacity to 24 GW by 2050, with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) expected to play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
Rolls-Royce, rumored to be a front-runner, has already secured substantial government funding exceeding £200 million. The selection process, jointly conducted by the UK government and GBN, aims to identify the most capable proponents of SMR technology.
The pool of contenders includes industry leaders like EDF, GE-Hitachi, Holtec Britain, NuScale, and Westinghouse Electric. These companies will participate in bidding for government contracts later this year, with successful candidates announced in the spring and contracts thereafter.
Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Nuclear said: “These companies will now be able to prepare for the next stages of the competition, aiming for a final contract agreement in the summer, potentially benefiting from significant support from the public purse. This is a hugely exciting day for the nuclear industry. For companies who were not successful in this initial process, the next opportunity could be the government’s consultation on alternative routes to market for nuclear technologies which is due to be launched soon. This will look at how to support newer technologies so that Britain can benefit from them as well.”
Globally, there are over 70 SMR designs in various stages of development. While the exact number of participants remains undisclosed, GBN has prioritized firms capable of delivering operational SMRs by the mid-2030s.
The ultimate objective is to reach a definitive investment decision by 2029, aiming to expedite the selection process to become the fastest of its kind globally.
Downing Street’s target is to have operational SMRs in the UK by the mid-2030s, with a £20 billion cap set for the competitive selection process. The UK is on the verge of a significant transformation in its energy sector, one that emphasizes safety, efficiency, and reliability.
