popular articles

Holtec chooses South Yorkshire for its first SMR plant in the UK

Holtec International has selected South Yorkshire as the location for its new Small Modular Reactor (SMR) plant, with the aim of supplying Europe and the Middle East while strengthening the UK nuclear supply chain.

Please share:

Holtec International has chosen South Yorkshire as the location for its first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) plant in the UK.
This decision follows a rigorous selection process, during which several sites were evaluated for their industrial potential.
Among the finalists, South Yorkshire stood out for its infrastructure and its ability to support a local supply chain, in line with UK industrial objectives.
The project is in line with the UK’s ambitions to increase its production of decarbonized energy, while relying on innovative technologies such as SMR.
The plant, which will supply not only the UK market but also Europe and the Middle East, represents a strategic step forward for Holtec and for the country’s nuclear industry.
The UK is establishing itself as a major player in the development of SMRs, a technology designed to meet growing energy needs while optimizing the efficiency and safety of nuclear installations.

A plant serving strategic production

The Holtec project will rely on local production: 70% of the materials, components and services required will be sourced in the UK.
This strategy reinforces the integration of the UK nuclear industry, while ensuring significant economic spin-offs.
The new plant is expected to generate hundreds of skilled jobs, contributing to the economic dynamism of the South Yorkshire region.
The British energy sector is thus positioning itself as a key player in the development of the SMR sector in Europe.
Holtec’s ambition is to produce SMR-300 reactors, a model designed to generate around 300 MW of electricity per unit, and capable of delivering up to 1050 MW of thermal power for industrial applications.
This technology, which combines forced and gravity flows in its primary system, is designed to be more flexible and better adapted to the current needs of power grids and industry.

Partnerships with research centers

To ensure the success of its UK presence, Holtec has also forged partnerships with two major institutions: the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).
These research centers will play a key role in developing and validating the technologies needed to manufacture SMRs.
The AMRC, based at the University of Sheffield, will work with Holtec on industrial process optimization and skills training, to support the entire SMR value chain.
For its part, the Coventry-based MTC will focus on the development of reactor manufacturing processes.
These collaborations will enable Holtec to accelerate the start-up of SMR production while guaranteeing the quality of locally manufactured components.
The UK is thus becoming fertile ground for innovation in the nuclear technology sector.

The United Kingdom, a strategic hub for SMRs

The United Kingdom occupies a key position in Holtec’s development strategy.
Thanks to its network of industrial skills and research centers, the country offers a favorable environment for SMR production.
The growing demand for low-carbon energy in Europe and the Middle East places the UK at the heart of this energy transformation.
By 2050, Holtec plans to deploy around 5 GW of SMR power capacity in the UK.
The South Yorkshire project is part of a wider initiative supported by the UK government.
In December 2023, Holtec secured £30 million funding via the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund to progress its design appraisal process.
This financial support underlines the importance of SMRs in the UK’s energy strategy, which is counting on this technology to strengthen its energy security while meeting its decarbonization targets.

An ambitious schedule for SMR production

Holtec plans to submit a building permit application for two SMR-300 units at its Palisades, Michigan site by 2026.
This American project will serve as a model for future SMR deployment in the UK.
The first units should be operational from 2030, subject to regulatory approvals.
This timetable is in line with the UK government’s objective of making the country a world leader in SMR by 2030.
At the same time, Holtec continues to develop its international order book, which will strengthen the South Yorkshire plant’s role in supplying fast-growing markets.
With this new plant, the UK becomes a key player in the global SMR production chain, offering considerable prospects for economic and industrial growth.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Faced with the loss of control over its Somaïr subsidiary and growing tensions with Niger, Orano initiates a second arbitration process to defend its interests in a strategic market.
American Electric Power is pursuing funding to explore the installation of small modular reactors in Indiana and Virginia. An initiative with significant economic and political implications.
American Electric Power is pursuing funding to explore the installation of small modular reactors in Indiana and Virginia. An initiative with significant economic and political implications.
The French group Orano (formerly Areva) has signed a crucial agreement in Mongolia for the exploitation of a vast uranium deposit. This initiative involves a major investment and arouses the interest of observers, both for supply security and industrial implications.
The French group Orano (formerly Areva) has signed a crucial agreement in Mongolia for the exploitation of a vast uranium deposit. This initiative involves a major investment and arouses the interest of observers, both for supply security and industrial implications.
Vinci calls for private funding to speed up EPR reactors
Vinci calls for private funding to speed up EPR reactors
The new nuclear safety authority reaffirms transparency
In 2025, nuclear energy will reach an unprecedented production level, driven by China and the growing global electricity demand. Former leaders, such as the United States and Europe, see their influence diminish amidst these changes.
In 2025, nuclear energy will reach an unprecedented production level, driven by China and the growing global electricity demand. Former leaders, such as the United States and Europe, see their influence diminish amidst these changes.
Fermi Energia has submitted an application to Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs to begin the spatial planning process for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a key step in the country's energy transition.
Fermi Energia has submitted an application to Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs to begin the spatial planning process for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a key step in the country's energy transition.
Vietnam revives its nuclear power plant project with Russia's support, consolidating a strategic alliance to meet soaring energy demands.
Vietnam revives its nuclear power plant project with Russia's support, consolidating a strategic alliance to meet soaring energy demands.
The KRONOS MMR™, a modular nuclear reactor developed by NANO Nuclear, achieves regulatory progress and targets key industrial applications, including hydrogen and artificial intelligence.
The British government refutes Financial Times claims about the doubling of costs for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant project led by EDF in eastern England.
The British government refutes Financial Times claims about the doubling of costs for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant project led by EDF in eastern England.
Following the termination of its agreement with Anfield Energy, IsoEnergy redirects its efforts toward optimizing its uranium assets in North America and Australia amidst a changing market landscape.
Following the termination of its agreement with Anfield Energy, IsoEnergy redirects its efforts toward optimizing its uranium assets in North America and Australia amidst a changing market landscape.
The Court of Audit highlights significant uncertainties surrounding the EPR2 program, revealing persistent financial and technical risks. A critical report calls for resolving these issues before proceeding with new investments.
The Court of Audit highlights significant uncertainties surrounding the EPR2 program, revealing persistent financial and technical risks. A critical report calls for resolving these issues before proceeding with new investments.
Doosan Enerbility and the International Nuclear Non-proliferation Center join forces to boost exports and develop modular reactors, addressing growing energy demands.
The new Czech energy plan projects a rise to 68% nuclear electricity by 2040, alongside a boost in renewables to meet the European Union's climate targets.
The new Czech energy plan projects a rise to 68% nuclear electricity by 2040, alongside a boost in renewables to meet the European Union's climate targets.
The United States announces the lifting of 200 restrictions on Indian nuclear entities, marking a key step in their strategic cooperation and creating opportunities for the civil energy sector.
The United States announces the lifting of 200 restrictions on Indian nuclear entities, marking a key step in their strategic cooperation and creating opportunities for the civil energy sector.
EDF steps up its efforts with the Nuward SMR, a 400 MW reactor designed to meet the strategic energy needs of industries and public utilities in Europe.
EDF steps up its efforts with the Nuward SMR, a 400 MW reactor designed to meet the strategic energy needs of industries and public utilities in Europe.
Novatron Fusion Group and Oxford Sigma partner to accelerate the development of fusion power plants in Sweden, combining innovative technologies and advanced materials for reliable industrial solutions.
Halden Kjernekraft is studying the construction of a 1200 MWe nuclear power plant based on small modular reactors (SMR). This project could reshape Norway’s energy landscape.
Halden Kjernekraft is studying the construction of a 1200 MWe nuclear power plant based on small modular reactors (SMR). This project could reshape Norway’s energy landscape.
New U.S. tax rules now allow some existing nuclear power plants to qualify for hydrogen production tax credits, targeting 200 MW per reactor at risk of closure and boosting regional projects.
New U.S. tax rules now allow some existing nuclear power plants to qualify for hydrogen production tax credits, targeting 200 MW per reactor at risk of closure and boosting regional projects.
The NRC extends the license of the Monticello nuclear plant until 2050, confirming its strategic capacity of 671 MWe. This decision aligns with the United States' strict and sustainable energy policy.
The NRC extends the license of the Monticello nuclear plant until 2050, confirming its strategic capacity of 671 MWe. This decision aligns with the United States' strict and sustainable energy policy.
The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) restructures the French nuclear sector by integrating 2,000 employees. This reform, at the heart of political and economic challenges, raises questions about governance and transparency.
In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
The merger of IRSN and ASN into the new ASNR raises concerns about expertise independence and a budget impasse expected as early as February 2025, according to unions.
The merger of IRSN and ASN into the new ASNR raises concerns about expertise independence and a budget impasse expected as early as February 2025, according to unions.
After years of focusing on renewable energy, the European Union is channeling resources into developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthening its nuclear infrastructure.
After years of focusing on renewable energy, the European Union is channeling resources into developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthening its nuclear infrastructure.

Advertising