popular articles

EDF abandons the race for small nuclear reactors in the UK

EDF withdraws from the competition to build small nuclear reactors in the UK, while affirming its support for the British nuclear industry and revising its SMR project.
EDF retrait réacteurs nucléaires Royaume-Uni

Please share:

EDF recently announced its withdrawal from the race to build Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the UK, a project designed to diversify and modernize the UK’s energy infrastructure. This withdrawal comes at a time when the French group is revising its plans for its SMR model, the Nuward, originally scheduled for 2030. This decision could significantly alter the landscape of energy production in the UK, a country where nuclear power plays a central role in the energy transition.
EDF ‘s withdrawal comes after the UK government named six companies, including Rolls-Royce and EDF, as finalists for a tender to build SMRs. Other selected companies include GE-Hitachi, Holtec, NuScale Power and Westinghouse, highlighting intense competition in this strategic sector.

The reasons behind EDF’s revised plans

The EDF spokesman said that the group was determined to continue supporting nuclear development in the UK, in particular by extending the life of existing plants and building new facilities. However, EDF has decided to reassess the design of its Nuward SMR to improve its chances of success and the technical feasibility of the project. This revision is seen as a strategic step to align the project with current technological and economic requirements.
In addition, EDF remains open to working with the British government on large-scale nuclear power plant projects. In May, EDF expressed its willingness to work on a third mega-nuclear power plant project in Wales, in addition to Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C.

The outlook for nuclear power in the UK

With the Labour Party coming to power in the UK, government support for new nuclear power plants, including SMRs, seems to be strengthening. The Labor Party’s program stresses the importance of new power plants in achieving energy security and promoting clean energy, while creating skilled jobs. This political direction could have a positive influence on current and future projects in the UK nuclear sector.
However, EDF’s withdrawal from the SMR race leaves a gap that the other finalists will have to fill. SMRs, which are seen as an economical and flexible solution compared with traditional power plants, will still require years of development before they can be deployed commercially.
The evolution of EDF’s Nuward SMR design could also present challenges and opportunities for the nuclear industry. This revision could enable EDF to offer a more advanced solution, better adapted to the future needs of the energy market.
The future of the UK nuclear industry will therefore depend on the strategic decisions taken by the companies and the continued support of government authorities. International collaboration and technological innovation will play a crucial role in achieving the goals of energy security and carbon reduction.
Developments in the field of SMRs and large nuclear power plants will be decisive in achieving these objectives, and the actions of key players such as EDF will remain under close scrutiny.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Fermi Energia has signed a strategic agreement with Samsung C&T to develop two small modular reactors in Estonia, targeting commercial operation by 2035.
China National Nuclear Corporation mobilizes international investors and financial partners for a unique nuclear project combining two distinct technologies to simultaneously supply industrial heat and electricity, marking a new strategic step for China's energy industry.
China National Nuclear Corporation mobilizes international investors and financial partners for a unique nuclear project combining two distinct technologies to simultaneously supply industrial heat and electricity, marking a new strategic step for China's energy industry.
Framatome and TechnicAtome have acquired Segault, a strategic nuclear valve manufacturer, thereby blocking a takeover by the American firm Flowserve following opposition from the French government.
Framatome and TechnicAtome have acquired Segault, a strategic nuclear valve manufacturer, thereby blocking a takeover by the American firm Flowserve following opposition from the French government.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a 20-year extension for the operating licences of Oconee Nuclear Station, reinforcing energy supply in the Carolinas amid growing regional demand.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a 20-year extension for the operating licences of Oconee Nuclear Station, reinforcing energy supply in the Carolinas amid growing regional demand.
A radioactive steam leak detected in the reactor building of Flamanville unit 1 forces EDF to postpone its restart by one month, according to the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority.
French firm Framatome has been selected to modernise control systems at Switzerland’s Leibstadt nuclear plant, as part of a strategic investment aiming to extend its operation through 2045.
French firm Framatome has been selected to modernise control systems at Switzerland’s Leibstadt nuclear plant, as part of a strategic investment aiming to extend its operation through 2045.
The U.S. Department of Energy reopens a $900M envelope to finance the construction of third-generation small modular reactors, aiming to rapidly expand national power capacity.
The U.S. Department of Energy reopens a $900M envelope to finance the construction of third-generation small modular reactors, aiming to rapidly expand national power capacity.
HYLENR Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding with TakeMe2Space to test a low-energy nuclear reaction power solution aboard satellites designed for orbital computing.
HYLENR Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding with TakeMe2Space to test a low-energy nuclear reaction power solution aboard satellites designed for orbital computing.
Japanese researchers have assembled a rechargeable battery harnessing the chemical properties of uranium, aiming to convert stored depleted uranium into a strategic energy storage resource.
The French government is pressing EDF and industrial players to reach a pricing agreement by summer, amid ongoing tensions over nuclear supply contracts.
The French government is pressing EDF and industrial players to reach a pricing agreement by summer, amid ongoing tensions over nuclear supply contracts.
Two small modular reactor developers begin preliminary engagement with the US nuclear authority, ahead of filing applications for distinct projects targeting industrial use cases.
Two small modular reactor developers begin preliminary engagement with the US nuclear authority, ahead of filing applications for distinct projects targeting industrial use cases.
Fortum continues preparations for new nuclear capacity in Finland and Sweden, selecting three suppliers after a two-year feasibility study.
Fortum continues preparations for new nuclear capacity in Finland and Sweden, selecting three suppliers after a two-year feasibility study.
NRG-Pallas will conduct irradiation tests necessary for qualifying materials and fuel of Kairos Power's modular reactor, a critical prerequisite for regulatory approval in the United States.
Tokyo Electric Power Company will begin next week the removal of thousands of contaminated sandbags, stored since 2011 in the Fukushima Daiichi basements, using robots designed for high-radiation environments.
Tokyo Electric Power Company will begin next week the removal of thousands of contaminated sandbags, stored since 2011 in the Fukushima Daiichi basements, using robots designed for high-radiation environments.
Welding of the main reactor for Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear power plant has been completed in Russia, marking a major milestone in the development of the country's first civilian nuclear programme.
Welding of the main reactor for Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear power plant has been completed in Russia, marking a major milestone in the development of the country's first civilian nuclear programme.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has established a new agency to oversee nuclear energy, appointing Almassadam Satkaliyev as its head. This structure aims to enhance the country’s energy security and support its long-term nuclear ambitions.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has established a new agency to oversee nuclear energy, appointing Almassadam Satkaliyev as its head. This structure aims to enhance the country’s energy security and support its long-term nuclear ambitions.
The US Department of Energy allocated a $57 million loan to Holtec International to support the relaunch of the Palisades nuclear plant, which has been closed since 2022, to ensure compliance with NRC safety standards.
Orano and Navoiyuran have signed a strategic agreement for the industrial development of the South Djengeldi uranium deposit in Uzbekistan, with the entry of Japanese company ITOCHU Corporation as a minority partner.
Orano and Navoiyuran have signed a strategic agreement for the industrial development of the South Djengeldi uranium deposit in Uzbekistan, with the entry of Japanese company ITOCHU Corporation as a minority partner.
Chubu Electric starts dismantling reactors at Hamaoka plant, marking a turning point in the management of its nuclear sector as Japan plans to gradually reintroduce nuclear energy into its energy mix.
Chubu Electric starts dismantling reactors at Hamaoka plant, marking a turning point in the management of its nuclear sector as Japan plans to gradually reintroduce nuclear energy into its energy mix.
President Emmanuel Macron has announced an additional delay for the commissioning of the first EPR2 reactors, now set for 2038 instead of 2035. This decision was made during a meeting dedicated to the nuclear program.
President Emmanuel Macron has announced an additional delay for the commissioning of the first EPR2 reactors, now set for 2038 instead of 2035. This decision was made during a meeting dedicated to the nuclear program.
Tests on the concrete of the EPR2 Penly seawall have raised doubts about its compliance with safety standards, according to Mediapart and Reporterre. EDF and Eiffage contest these claims, asserting that the material meets technical requirements.
On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron will chair a Nuclear Policy Council focused on small modular reactors (SMRs) and uranium supply, within a global context of renewed interest in nuclear energy.
On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron will chair a Nuclear Policy Council focused on small modular reactors (SMRs) and uranium supply, within a global context of renewed interest in nuclear energy.
A group of technology and energy companies, along with 31 countries, has signed a pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, supporting a strategic expansion of this energy source.
A group of technology and energy companies, along with 31 countries, has signed a pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, supporting a strategic expansion of this energy source.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director-General, is visiting Niger to discuss nuclear cooperation. This visit comes at a time when the country, a major uranium producer, is experiencing internal political tensions.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director-General, is visiting Niger to discuss nuclear cooperation. This visit comes at a time when the country, a major uranium producer, is experiencing internal political tensions.

Advertising