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

Partagez:

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.

South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.