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.

Share:

EDF retrait réacteurs nucléaires Royaume-Uni

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

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.

Validation of underground injection permits by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency strengthens Dewey Burdock’s regulatory position and paves the way for state permitting expected in 2025.
Facing energy security challenges, several Southeast Asian countries are turning to nuclear and could invest up to $208bn to reach 25 GW of capacity, favouring small modular reactors.
A strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States aims to shorten nuclear licensing timelines and strengthen industrial cooperation around fusion and modular reactors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency projects global nuclear capacity to reach 992 GW by 2050, driven by small modular reactors and lifetime extensions of existing plants.
Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels have announced a target date of around September 19 to finalise their strategic consolidation, pending final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.
The General Court of the European Union has rejected Austria’s appeal against the inclusion of gas and nuclear energy in the classification of sustainable investments.
Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Nukem Technologies Engineering Services GmbH to benefit from German expertise in nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management.
The European Court of Justice annulled the European Commission's authorisation of Hungarian state aid for the Paks II nuclear project, questioning compliance with EU public procurement rules.
A Chinese consortium has secured a CNY4.2bn ($594mn) contract for the construction of conventional islands for the Xuwei nuclear project, combining third and fourth generation reactors.
Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in talent development and skills training in the nuclear sector.
Iran has reached a new agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to formalise the resumption of inspections, following months of suspension linked to military tensions and criticism of its nuclear programme.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.