Great British Nuclear (GBN) has entered the final stage of the UK’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) selection process and is on track to make final decisions in the Spring.
An Invitation to Submit Final Tender (ISFT) has been issued to the four remaining vendors, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Ltd, Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd, and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Ltd.
Earlier in February, the Prime Minister pledged to put Britain back in the global race for nuclear energy, and to reform planning rules to make it easier to build fleets of SMRs in England and Wales.
SMRs are smaller than traditional nuclear power plants and their modular construction could provide a way of delivering nuclear more quickly and cost-effectively. They could also be built in a greater variety of locations, and be co-located with energy-intensive industrial sites such as AI data centres.
GBN’s Chair, Simon Bowen, said:
“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.”
“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.”
“Since GBN was launched in 2023, the team has made huge strides in delivering a fair, robust, and transparent process for technology selection.”
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, said:
“Small modular reactors will support our mission to become a clean energy superpower.
“That’s why we are backing new nuclear technology to help secure our energy independence and grow the economy.”
For more information, please contact:
Cory Reynolds, Director of Communications and Government Relations
e: cory.reynolds@gbnuclear.gov.uk m: 07701 235045
Ieuan Williams, Head of Stakeholder and Media Relations
e: ieuan.williams@gbnuclear.gov.uk m: 07889 108555
Notes to Editors
- GBN has now concluded the negotiation phase with the four bidders participating in SMR competition
- To reach this stage, each of the four designs was subject to a robust analysis
- GBN has evaluated each technology, 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
- GBN owns land for potential new nuclear development at both Wylfa on Ynys Môn/Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire. GBN is working closely with the local communities at these sites to consider how future new nuclear projects could benefit their communities
About Great British Nuclear (GBN)
Great British Nuclear (GBN) is the Government delivery body dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in the UK. As an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), GBN plays a crucial role in ensuring the UK’s energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. GBN focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future.
