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.

Partagez:

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.

  • Populaires ​
Algeria and Angola strengthen energy cooperation at US–Africa summit
EDF Power Solutions wins major energy storage contract in Japan
Plenitude and Modine launch 1.585 MWp solar power plant in Italy
China and the United States improve their energy performance in an unstable global context
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
Energy Fuels extracts 638,700 pounds of uranium at Pinyon Plain mine
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear sector
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
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.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
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.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
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.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
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.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
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.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
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.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
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 acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
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 launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
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.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
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 and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
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.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
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 secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
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.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
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.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
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 raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
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.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS