UK selects six designs for construction of small modular nuclear reactors

An artist’s rendering shows Westinghouse’s planned AP300 small modular nuclear power reactor, which the company officially unveiled on May 4, 2023, and hopes will be built in the United States and around the world. (Image: Westinghouse/Handout via Reuters)

The UK government has selected six companies to advance to the next phase of a competition to design and build small modular reactors (SMRs) to generate nuclear power.

The companies are: EDF, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International, Holtec Britain, NuScale Power, Rolls Royce SMR and Westinghouse Electric Company UK.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the designs were “the most able to deliver operational SMRs by the mid-2030s”.

The government selected the designs alongside Great British Nuclear - the government-backed body driving forward nuclear projects across the country.

The next stage will see successful companies able to bid for government contracts.

The government said it hoped to announce in spring 2024 which of the six companies the government will support, with contracts awarded by summer 2024.

Energy security secretary Claire Coutinho said: “Small modular reactors will help the UK rapidly expand nuclear power and deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy for British families and businesses, create well-paid, high-skilled jobs, and grow the economy.

“This competition has attracted designs from around the world and puts the UK at the front of the global race to develop this exciting, cutting-edge technology and cement our position as a world leader in nuclear innovation.”