Great British Nuclear (GBN) has entered the final stage of the
UK's Small Modular Reactor (SMR) selection process and is on
track to make final decisions in the Spring.
An Invitation to Submit Final Tender (ISFT) has been issued to
the four remaining vendors, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy
International LLC, Holtec Britain Ltd, Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd, and
Westinghouse Electric Company UK Ltd.
Earlier in February, the Prime Minister pledged to put Britain
back in the global race for nuclear energy, and to reform
planning rules to make it easier to build fleets of SMRs in
England and Wales.
SMRs are smaller than traditional nuclear power plants and their
modular construction could provide a way of delivering nuclear
more quickly and cost-effectively. They could also be built in a
greater variety of locations, and be co-located with
energy-intensive industrial sites such as AI data centres.
GBN's Chair, Simon Bowen, said:
“This is an exciting moment for Great British Nuclear and the UK
as we reach the final stage of the technology selection process
for the Small Modular Reactor programme.”
“Nuclear energy is vital for economic growth and delivering
secure, reliable, home-generated power that is capable of meeting
future demand, enabling Net Zero, and reducing the UK's
dependence on importing fossil fuels.”
“Since GBN was launched in 2023, the team has made huge strides
in delivering a fair, robust, and transparent process for
technology selection.”
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Rt
Hon MP, said:
“Small modular reactors will support our mission to become a
clean energy superpower.
“That's why we are backing new nuclear technology to help secure
our energy independence and grow the economy.”
Notes to Editors
- GBN has now concluded the negotiation phase with the four
bidders participating in SMR competition
- To reach this stage, each of the four designs was subject to
a robust analysis
- GBN has evaluated each technology, including aspects such
as safety, deliverability, and their ability to support
development of a fleet of SMRs
- GBN considers the designs, each of which is proceeding
through the UK's regulatory process, are viable options for
development
- GBN owns land for potential new nuclear development at both
Wylfa on Ynys Môn/Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in
Gloucestershire. GBN is working closely with the local
communities at these sites to consider how future new nuclear
projects could benefit their communities
About Great British Nuclear (GBN)
Great British Nuclear (GBN) is the Government delivery body
dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new
nuclear technologies in the UK. As an executive non-departmental
public body sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and
Net Zero (DESNZ), GBN plays a crucial role in ensuring the UK's
energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. GBN
focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and
coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a
resilient and sustainable energy future.
