– UK government aims for 24 GW of nuclear energy by 2050 for energy security and net-zero goals
– Four gigawatt-scale reactor designs approved for new build in the UK
– UK considering small modular reactors including Rolls-Royce SMR, Holtec’s SMR-300, and GEH’s BWRX-300 with funding support from the government
The UK government aims to have 24 GW of nuclear energy by 2050 to support energy security and meet net-zero goals. The University of Sheffield Nuclear AMRC is helping to revive and expand the UK’s nuclear industry by supporting the construction of new nuclear power stations. Four gigawatt-scale reactor designs have been approved for new build, including Framatome’s EPR, Westinghouse’s AP1000, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s ABWR, and China’s Hualong One.
The UK is also considering the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) like Rolls-Royce SMR, Holtec’s SMR-300, and GEH’s BWRX-300. Companies in the UK are eager to participate in the development of these new nuclear projects to strengthen energy security and meet net-zero goals. GEH’s BWRX-300 design is gaining global interest, with projects planned in Canada, the US, Poland, and other countries. The design features existing fuel technology, passive cooling systems, and simplified configurations to minimize project costs.
The Nuclear AMRC hosted a conference to bring together UK-based businesses involved in the nuclear supply chain, providing an opportunity for suppliers to engage with GE Hitachi on the BWRX-300 SMR project. The UK’s transition to SMRs offers significant opportunities for the domestic supply chain and aims to maximize economic benefits from investment in low-carbon power. The UK industry is enthusiastic about supporting new nuclear projects to achieve energy security and sustainability goals.