SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Trawsfynydd will host an SMR reactor

Trawsfynydd, Wales is in discussions with NuScale for a nuclear site on the edge of the village.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Trawsfynydd, Wales is in discussions with NuScale for a nuclear site on the edge of the village.

A commercial rivalry

Trawsfynydd is in the midst of talks with the Welsh government to bring small modular reactors (SMRs) to the UK. The site is located in North Wales. NuScale says it is ready to implement its SMR technology at the site.

The Trawsfynydd site could thus accommodate SMR technology, as could the Gwynedd site. Gwynedd has a target date of 2027 for construction. In Trawsfynydd, three potential sites exist and have an agreement with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).

Rolls-Royce SMR and Balfour Beatty signed memoranda of understanding to plan the construction of SMR reactors. These would be Holtec SMR-160 pressurized light water reactors. The company plans to initiate the UK regulatory validation process.

A technology to be deployed

NuScale argues that its SMR VOYGR technology is already in development. All that remains is to deploy it on the sites. Tom Mundy, President of VOYGR, states:

“We think we’re in a good position to be able to move forward. It’s not like we have to develop the technology again and then move forward with the projects.”

According to NuScale, the government has an interest in supporting SMR technology as part of the overall UK energy equation. The VOYGR 12 design can accommodate up to 12 NuScale power supply modules. The total gross production is then 924MWe.

The NuScale power module is also a pressurized water reactor for generating steam. The integrated heat exchange in a single unit generates 77MWe. It is the first SMR to receive design approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

 

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Paratus receives $38mn payment in Mexico through government fund
Sojitz develops 44 MW solar plant in Wakayama without public support
Ontario mandates Hydro One for new high-voltage line with First Nations partnership
UK launches radical overhaul of nuclear regulation system
Iberdrola reshapes its portfolio to become a leader in transatlantic regulated networks
Rosatom receives approval to 3D-print SMR components
Russian state nuclear group Rosatom has validated the additive manufacturing of parts for its small modular reactors, marking an industrial first for RITM-200 SMR plant equipment.
Maritime Fusion raises $4.5mn to bring fusion energy to commercial ships
California-based Maritime Fusion, backed by Y Combinator and Trucks VC, is betting on a decentralised approach to fusion to target maritime and off-grid applications.
Bayridge Resources acquires 51% of Baker Lake uranium project in Nunavut
Bayridge Resources secures a majority stake in an advanced uranium project in Canada, strengthening its strategic presence in a geologically promising region.
Over 15,000 tonnes of recycled concrete from Sizewell A reinjected into Sizewell C
A significant volume of concrete from the dismantling of the Sizewell A nuclear power plant is being transferred to support the foundations of the Sizewell C project, under a partnership between UK nuclear sector stakeholders.
KEPCO and ENEC strengthen alliance on nuclear and artificial intelligence
Korean group KEPCO and UAE-based ENEC have signed two memorandums of understanding to expand their cooperation in civil nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies targeting new international markets.
US Army selects nine bases for future deployment of nuclear microreactors
The Janus programme will deploy micro nuclear power plants across nine military bases to reinforce energy autonomy for critical U.S. Army installations.
Lightbridge launches irradiation testing of its fuel alloy in the United States
The Idaho National Laboratory has started irradiation testing on uranium-zirconium fuel samples from Lightbridge in its experimental reactor, marking a key step toward the industrial validation of advanced nuclear fuel.
NexGen begins final federal hearings for the Rook I nuclear project
NexGen Energy has opened Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearings for the final approval of its Rook I uranium project, following more than six years of regulatory process.
Oklo signs contract with Siemens Energy for Aurora’s power conversion system
Oklo has signed a binding agreement with Siemens Energy to accelerate manufacturing of the energy conversion system for its first advanced nuclear power plant in the United States.
New setback for TEPCO at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa 48h before crucial political green light
A security document handling incident at the nuclear power plant renews concerns about TEPCO as a key decision on restarting reactors 6 and 7 approaches in Niigata.
Washington seals civil nuclear deal with Riyadh amid political tensions
An initial civil nuclear cooperation agreement was signed between the United States and Saudi Arabia, prompting calls from the US Congress for strict safeguards to prevent a Middle East arms race.
CGN activates Zhaoyuan to bypass US restrictions and secure its Hualong One reactors
The launch of the Zhaoyuan nuclear project anchors the Hualong One model inland, illustrating Beijing’s strategy of regulatory normalisation in response to Western technological restrictions.
TRISO-X begins vertical construction on advanced nuclear fuel facility in Tennessee
TRISO-X has started above-ground works on the first U.S. facility dedicated to manufacturing fuel for small modular reactors, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of the Xe-100.
Russia delivers key test rig for ITER project progress
The first Russian test rig for the experimental ITER reactor has been delivered to the site in France, marking a major milestone in the international collaboration on nuclear fusion.
Allseas’ nuclear concept could inject EUR130bn into Dutch economy by 2050
A strategic report reveals the industrial and energy potential of Allseas’ offshore small modular reactor, which could create up to 40,000 jobs and reduce investment in the power grid.
Japan approves partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant
Niigata’s governor is expected to approve the restart of one reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, inactive since the Fukushima accident, reviving a strategic asset for Japan’s energy sector.
Aecon partners with Norsk Kjernekraft to develop SMRs in Norway
Canadian firm Aecon and private developer Norsk Kjernekraft have signed a strategic agreement targeting the deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors across several potential locations in Norway.
South Africa restarts PBMR project with strategic transfer to Necsa
The South African government has officially lifted the PBMR reactor out of inactivity, launching a public investment programme and transferring the strategic nuclear asset from Eskom to Necsa.
France locks in €100bn nuclear programme under state control
The French Court of Auditors values EDF’s grand carénage at over €100bn, while EPR2 reactors already exceed €67–75bn. The State simultaneously directs regulation, financing, and industrial strategy, raising the risk of conflict of interest.
Belarus launches new public investment in a third nuclear reactor
Belarus commits major public investment to add a third reactor at the Ostrovets plant and initiates studies for a second nuclear site to support national energy demand.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.