The UK government has shortlisted six teams for the next phase of its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition.
Under the plans, the government will support the winners to help “revive nuclear power” in the UK by using the innovative factory-made nuclear technologies, as part of the country’s plan to achieve 25% of national energy production from nuclear power.
The six firms moving forward are:
EDF
GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International
Holtec Britain Limited
NuScale Power
Rolls Royce SMR
Westinghouse Electric Company
A winner is expected to be announced in spring next year, with contracts awarded in the summer.
“Today’s announcement is a key step forward in delivering the government’s objective of boosting nuclear power in this country,” said Gwen Parry-Jones, interim chief executive of Great British Nuclear.
A consultation will be launched later this year with the government looking for feedback on “how best to ensure other nuclear technologies can potentially get underway in the UK”.
The backing of SMRs coincides with the government's plan to develop Sizewell C, which has recently opened its search for investors.