The UK government has announced the six finalists for a competition designed to support the development of nuclear technology for greater energy security.

Designs for small modular reactors (SMRs) from EDF, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Limited, NuScale Power, Rolls Royce SMR and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Limited have been chosen for the next stage of the process.

The designs have been chosen by the government and Great British Nuclear, a government-backed body for nuclear projects across the country. In the next stage of the competition, the government said the successful companies will be able to bid for government contracts which will be awarded in Summer 2024.

The government said that unlike conventional nuclear reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive.

The government, which wants up to a quarter of all UK electricity to come from nuclear power by 2050, added that the competition is part of its plan to produce cleaners and cheaper energy.

“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,” said energy security secretary Claire Coutinho. “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.”

Share Story: