Great British Nuclear (GBN), the arms-length body set up to oversee the UK’s plans for new nuclear, has entered the final stage of the UK’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) selection process. Four vendors have received an Invitation to Submit Final Tender (ISFT) – GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International, Holtec Britain, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse Electric Company.
GE Hitachi proposed its BWRX-300 boiling water reactor; Holtec proposed its SMR-300 – a 300 MWe pressurised water reactor (PWR); the Rolls-Royce SMR is a 470 MWe PWR; and the Westinghouse AP300 is a 300 MWe/900 MWt PWR.
There were initially six companies shortlisted by GBN, which intends to select one or two of the technologies for support to deploy multiple units at a site. GBN owns land for potential new nuclear at Wylfa in Anglesey in North Wales, and at Oldbury in Gloucestershire in southwest England, but other sites could also be chosen.
In September, GBN concluded the initial tender phase of the competition and down-selected the four companies. GBN then said it expected the final decision would be taken by the end of the year, having previously set the date for summer 2024. The recent UK Budget then deferred that decision until Spring 2025.
“This is an exciting moment for Great British Nuclear and the UK as we reach the final stage of the technology selection process for the Small Modular Reactor programme,” said GBN Chairman Simon Bowen. “Nuclear energy is vital for economic growth and delivering secure, reliable, home-generated power that is capable of meeting future demand, enabling Net Zero, and reducing the UK’s dependence on importing fossil fuels.”
GBN said all four designs were subject to robust analysis. Each technology was evaluated, including aspects such as safety, deliverability, and their ability to support development of a fleet of SMRs. GBN considers the designs, each of which is proceeding through the UK’s regulatory process, are viable options for development.
