The UK is finalizing plans to develop new small nuclear reactors as part of a strategy to phase out gas power stations and to advance its ambition to become a “clean energy superpower”.
Small modular reactors, also known as SMRs, are smaller and more compact versions of the traditional nuclear plant. SMRs combine new technologies and advanced engineering to could accelerate deployment as single or multi-module plants.
The demand for SMRs has been increasing globally as they can provide flexible power generation for many users and applications, and replace older fossil fuel-fired power plants.
UK to boost its nuclear power capacity
The UK government has announced plans to collaborate with other countries to accelerate work on advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs). UK plans to deploy a first-of-a-kind SMR by the early 2030s.
Why? The goal is to add up to eight new nuclear reactors to the existing six, potentially tripling UK’s nuclear capacity to 24 GW (gigawatt) by 2050, and increasing the generation share of nuclear power from the current 15% to 25%.
This is in response to a power supply and fuel affordability crisis and revitalizing the UK’s nuclear sector. The UK has also announced the £385 million Advanced Nuclear Fund to invest in the next generation of nuclear technologies which includes £215 million to develop a domestic SMR technology design and up to £170 million for a research and development program for AMR demonstration by the early 2030s.
The UK government believes that SMRs could play an important role alongside large nuclear as a low-carbon energy source to support a secure, affordable decarbonized energy system. UK’s nuclear regulators are currently conducting a Generic Design Assessment (GDA) of these firms to assess safety, security, and environmental protection:
- Holtec Britain Limited
- Cavendish Nuclear/X-Energy
- GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy
- GMET Nuclear Limited
- Newcleo Limited
- UK Atomics Limited
Holtec intends to deploy 32 SMR-160s
On December 19, London-based infrastructure group Balfour Beatty said it had reached an agreement with Hyundai Engineering and Construction and Holtec Britain to support the construction of Holtec’s SMR-160 pressurized light-water reactors which would produce 160 MW of power. Once approved, Holtec International will start the construction of the UK’s first small modular nuclear reactor as early as 2028.
Affordable energy: Holtec intends to deploy 32 SMR-160s (5.1 GW) by 2050 to bring reliable and affordable electricity and heat to UK households, businesses, and industries. “The United Kingdom is at a turning point as it navigates through this energy crisis. The decisions made today will impact how future generations in the UK live and work, and the viability of its economy as a whole” said Dr. Richard M. Springman, Senior Vice President of International Projects of Holtec International.
Rolls-Royce SMR
Rolls-Royce is also considering three locations to build factories that would manufacture parts for the fleet of SMR in the UK. “This is part of the process to build the first of at least three factories that will manufacture components for a fleet of small modular reactors and will present an incredible opportunity for a region of the UK” Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Executive, Tom Samson, said. The power stations will be built in British factories “will generate tens of thousands of long-term highly skilled jobs – accelerating regional economic growth.”
The company said that a fleet of Rolls-Royce SMR power stations would increase the UK’s energy security and support net zero targets by generating low-carbon electricity from a sustainable source. “The green industrial revolution – with Small Modular Reactor technology at its heart – is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to put the North at the forefront of the transition to net zero, creating thousands of well-paid, skilled jobs and turbocharging our productivity” Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said.
In November 2021, the UK government announced funding of up to £210 million for the Rolls-Royce SMR program. The consortium led by Rolls-Royce aims to develop a UK SMR program that could support up to 40,000 jobs and each SMR would be capable of powering 450,000 homes.
