GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR submit final offer in UK SMR selection process

GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR have submitted their final offer as part of the modular reactor selection process led by Great British Nuclear in the United Kingdom.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

Two of the four companies shortlisted by Great British Nuclear (GBN) have confirmed they have submitted their final offer as part of the UK’s small modular reactor (SMR) technology selection process. GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Rolls-Royce SMR have taken a strategic step in this procedure, which is overseen by GBN, the public body tasked with developing new civilian nuclear capacity on a national scale.

Four vendors were shortlisted last September to enter negotiations: GE Hitachi, Rolls-Royce SMR, Holtec International and Westinghouse Electric Company. In February, the companies were invited to submit final offers. GBN plans to select up to three technologies, with the aim of supporting the deployment of multiple SMR units at one or more designated sites.

Proposed technologies and potential sites

The competing designs include GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300, a 300 MWe boiling water reactor, and the Rolls-Royce SMR model, a 470 MWe pressurised water reactor. Holtec is proposing the SMR-300, also a 300 MWe pressurised water reactor, while Westinghouse is promoting its AP300, with a capacity of 300 MWe/900 MWt. Each company emphasises the robustness of their technologies, derived from existing designs, and their ability to leverage modular production methods to accelerate delivery timelines.

GBN currently owns two sites identified for SMR deployment: Wylfa in North Wales and Oldbury in South West England. However, additional locations may be selected depending on the outcome of the selection phase.

Next phase of the selection process

The announcement of the selected technologies is expected before summer. GBN subsequently plans to make a final investment decision in 2029. According to Simon Bowen, Chairman of GBN, the chosen vendors may receive financial support covering the stages of design, regulatory approval, environmental permitting and site development, as well as a potential contract for equipment supply.

Recent statements from GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR highlight the industrial scope of their proposals. The process aims to enable rapid deployment of selected technologies as part of the UK’s energy diversification strategy.

NANO Nuclear Energy has been selected to compete in the final round of xTechSearch 9, a US Army initiative aimed at identifying high-potential dual-use technology solutions.
Aalo Atomics completes Series B funding, bringing its total to USD 136 million, to build its first modular nuclear power plant dedicated to data centers.
The Malaysian government initiates a national assessment on nuclear energy feasibility, targeting regions facing energy supply constraints and integrating international regulatory requirements.
The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels reaches a key milestone following final approval of the arrangement plan by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
TVA, Google, and Kairos Power formalize an agreement to connect an advanced reactor to the grid, supporting data center energy growth and reinforcing the U.S. nuclear industry.
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with X-energy to develop a commercial nuclear microreactor intended to power sensitive military infrastructure.
With cash reserves multiplied sevenfold in nine months, NANO Nuclear intensifies development of its KRONOS MMR and positions itself in the Canadian and U.S. modular nuclear markets.
Equinix signed a preorder for 20 Kaleidos nuclear microreactors and a letter of intent for a power purchase agreement with ULC-Energy, reinforcing its energy supply strategy for its data centers.
The U.S. Department of Energy selects Oklo and its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy for three pilot reactor projects aiming for criticality before July 2026.
The United States Department of Energy has selected eleven companies to build experimental nuclear reactors by July 2026, under a programme aimed at meeting rising electricity demand.
The South African Minister of the Environment has approved Eskom’s authorisation to build a nuclear power plant in Duynefontein, ending appeals lodged by several environmental organisations.
An independent group calls for deep changes to speed up the approval of UK nuclear projects and cut costs linked to a system seen as too slow and complex.
Radiant has signed an agreement with the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit to supply a portable nuclear microreactor, marking a first in mass production for military use.
The Gravelines nuclear power plant, the largest in Western Europe, halted all production after its cooling systems were obstructed by an unexpected influx of jellyfish. EDF plans a gradual restart in the coming days.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 14th batch of ALPS-treated water discharged by TEPCO remains well below Japan’s operational limit.
Field studies to determine the location of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant have begun near the village of Ulken, marking a key stage in a project led by Rosatom.
China’s nuclear safety authority has approved the construction of units 1 and 2 at the Jinqimen plant, authorising the start of foundation work for the first reactor.
India unveils a national plan to boost nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, combining large reactors and small modules, with a strengthened regulatory framework and new public-private partnerships.
Belarus offers its expertise to support the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, as Tashkent accelerates its civil energy projects with new international partnerships.
Start-up HYLENR finalises a strategic $3 mn fundraising to move from pilot phase to industrialisation of its low-energy nuclear reaction systems for industrial heat production.
Consent Preferences