France’s EDF has withdrawn its Nuward small modular reactor (SMR) design from Great British Nuclear’s (GBN’s) SMR selection contest. EDF was one of six firms shortlisted in October last year for government support. The other companies shortlisted were GE-Hitachi, Holtec Britain, NuScale Power, Rolls-Royce and Westinghouse. Two designs will be chosen for further support by the end of the year.
An EDF spokesperson said the company “remains committed to supporting the development of nuclear in the UK”. Earlier in July, EDF said it had decided to focus on existing technologies for the design of its SMRs instead of continuing with the innovative Nuward design.
Meanwhile, GE Vernova’s Nuclear business, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), said it has submitted its tender response, as part of GBN’s selection competition, by providing documentation in support of its BWRX-300 SMR technology.
“We have entered this competition with a proven track record of progressing SMR reactor technology internationally, a fuel that is already licensed and in operation, and a reactor designed for manufacture,” said Andy Champ, GEH UK Country Leader. “Our BWRX-300 has evolved from proven, simple, boiling water reactor technology and is not just smaller, but through innovation even further simplified….We have a strong and growing team here in the UK, and we are confident that our SMR represents the lowest risk and highest reward choice for Great British Nuclear.
In posts on Linked-In and X Rolls-Royce SMR, Holtec, and NuScale all confirmed that they had also submitted their tenders. It is unclear whether the change of government in the UK will affect the selection process. However, the new Labour Government generally favoured nuclear energy.
