Connection

popular articles

Black & Veatch selects 6 startups for its CO2 removal program
Brazil: Ceará positions itself for offshore wind development
Nordic Solar launches Lithuania’s largest photovoltaic park
Emeren sells 42 MWp solar portfolio in Spain to CVE
Croatia: INA conducts seismic surveys for geothermal exploration

SMR: The UK Enters Crucial Negotiations with Four Key Players

Great British Nuclear evaluates technologies from GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse to select the modular reactors that will shape the country’s energy future.

Please share:

Negotiations for the UK’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) program have officially begun. The four finalists in the running are GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse. These discussions mark a decisive step in selecting a technology to strengthen the UK’s energy capacity while meeting safety and sustainability requirements.

Great British Nuclear (GBN), the organization overseeing this program, announced that each proposed project has undergone a thorough analysis. This evaluation considered criteria such as safety, feasibility, and rapid deployment potential. Simon Bowen, chairman of GBN, stated: “Our technical experts have reviewed each design in detail and are confident that these SMRs could play a key role in the UK’s future energy mix.”

The Competing Technologies

The proposed designs include:

– BWRX-300 from GE Hitachi: A boiling water reactor based on proven technologies.
– SMR-300 from Holtec: A 300 MWe pressurized water reactor designed for modular production.
– Rolls-Royce SMR: A 470 MWe pressurized water reactor offering higher energy capacity.
– AP300 from Westinghouse: A 300 MWe/900 MWth pressurized water reactor.

Each design emphasizes pre-existing technologies and modularity to reduce construction times and costs.

A Strategic Timeline

Initially scheduled for the end of 2024, the technology selection has been postponed to spring 2025. GBN plans to sign contracts with one to three suppliers to co-finance the projects through regulatory, environmental, and site-specific authorizations. Final investments are expected to be decided by 2029, enabling a swift rollout of the selected SMRs.

Although there has been a change in government, current leaders have committed to continuing the program, underscoring its strategic importance in addressing long-term energy and climate challenges.

A Key Project for the UK’s Energy Mix

This program aligns with the UK’s transition to low-carbon energy, where SMRs could provide a complementary energy source to wind and solar. With sites capable of hosting multiple units, these reactors could bolster the UK’s energy resilience, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and support its net-zero carbon goals.

GBN affirmed that each competing technology is considered viable and could be integrated into the national nuclear program, provided that negotiations lead to favorable terms for the country.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

The UK Invests in the LIBRTI Program to Revolutionize Fusion Energy
Algeria, pivot of the hydrogen corridor to Europe
Ørsted faces €1.6 billion impairment, impacted by its U.S. offshore projects
China Shatters Renewable Energy Installation Records in 2024
Envision Energy powers a 1.1 GW wind project in Egypt

Recently published in

Orano initiates new arbitration against Niger over uranium

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.
Federal Grants: Two Small Modular Reactor Projects Under Discussion
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.
en_11401333540
Federal Grants: Two Small Modular Reactor Projects Under Discussion
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.
en_11401333540
Orano concludes a strategic mining pact in Mongolia
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.
en_11401303540
Orano concludes a strategic mining pact in Mongolia
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.
en_11401303540
Vinci calls for private funding to speed up EPR reactors
Vinci calls for private funding to speed up EPR reactors
en_11401307540
Vinci calls for private funding to speed up EPR reactors
Vinci calls for private funding to speed up EPR reactors
en_11401307540

The new nuclear safety authority reaffirms transparency

The new nuclear safety authority reaffirms transparency
Nuclear Power in 2025: A Record Production Driven by China
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.
en_11401280540
Nuclear Power in 2025: A Record Production Driven by China
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.
en_11401280540
Estonia: Fermi Energia Initiates Site Selection Process for a 600 MW Nuclear Plant
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.
en_11401262540
Estonia: Fermi Energia Initiates Site Selection Process for a 600 MW Nuclear Plant
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.
en_11401262540
Vietnam and Russia Strengthen Their Nuclear Alliance
Vietnam revives its nuclear power plant project with Russia's support, consolidating a strategic alliance to meet soaring energy demands.
en_11401265540
Vietnam and Russia Strengthen Their Nuclear Alliance
Vietnam revives its nuclear power plant project with Russia's support, consolidating a strategic alliance to meet soaring energy demands.
en_11401265540

Canada Approves KRONOS MMR for Projects at 45 MWt

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 UK Denies Cost Surge in Sizewell C Nuclear Project
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.
en_11401273540
The UK Denies Cost Surge in Sizewell C Nuclear Project
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.
en_11401273540
IsoEnergy ends its acquisition plan with Anfield and adjusts its strategic priorities
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.
en_11401268540
IsoEnergy ends its acquisition plan with Anfield and adjusts its strategic priorities
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.
en_11401268540
The Court of Audit Warns About Risks in EDF’s EPR2 Program
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.
en_11401242540
The Court of Audit Warns About Risks in EDF’s EPR2 Program
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.
en_11401242540

South Korea Strengthens Nuclear Exports Through Industry-Academia Partnership

Doosan Enerbility and the International Nuclear Non-proliferation Center join forces to boost exports and develop modular reactors, addressing growing energy demands.
The Czech Republic aims for 68% nuclear electricity by 2040
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.
en_11401197540
The Czech Republic aims for 68% nuclear electricity by 2040
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.
en_11401197540
The United States lifts 200 restrictions on Indian nuclear entities
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.
en_11401193540
The United States lifts 200 restrictions on Indian nuclear entities
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.
en_11401193540
EDF relaunches the Nuward SMR with 400 MW for the European industry
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.
en_11401174540
EDF relaunches the Nuward SMR with 400 MW for the European industry
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.
en_11401174540

Sweden welcomes a Strategic Partnership for Fusion Energy

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.
Norway Approves Halden for a 1200 MWe SMR Nuclear Plant
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.
en_11401148540
Norway Approves Halden for a 1200 MWe SMR Nuclear Plant
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.
en_11401148540
The United States allocates 7 billion in tax credits for nuclear-powered hydrogen
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.
en_11401146540
The United States allocates 7 billion in tax credits for nuclear-powered hydrogen
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.
en_11401146540
The United States authorizes the Monticello plant to produce 671 MWe until 2050
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.
en_11401139540
The United States authorizes the Monticello plant to produce 671 MWe until 2050
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.
en_11401139540

France and ASNR integrate 2,000 experts in a contested nuclear reform

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.
France sets electricity export record with 89 TWh in 2024
In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
en_11401108540
France sets electricity export record with 89 TWh in 2024
In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
en_11401108540
France relaunches ASNR with uncertain budget for 2025
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.
en_11401084540
France relaunches ASNR with uncertain budget for 2025
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.
en_11401084540
Europe’s Nuclear Revival: Accelerating SMR Development
After years of focusing on renewable energy, the European Union is channeling resources into developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthening its nuclear infrastructure.
en_11401074540
Europe’s Nuclear Revival: Accelerating SMR Development
After years of focusing on renewable energy, the European Union is channeling resources into developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthening its nuclear infrastructure.
en_11401074540

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS