Holtec Britain has submitted its final tender for the Great British Nuclear (GBN) small modular reactor (SMR) competition. Three of the four competition finalists have now submitted their final tenders. Earlier in April Rolls-Royce SMR and GE Hitachi (GEH) submitted their final tenders. The remaining finalist is Westinghouse Electric. The finalists were selected from a shortlist of six, the other two being France’s EDF and US NuScale.
The four finalists received an invitation to Submit Final Tender (ISFT) in February. GEH (part of GE Vernova) proposed its BWRX-300 boiling water reactor; Holtec proposed its SMR-300 – a 300 MWe pressurised water reactor (PWR); the Rolls-Royce SMR is a 470 MWe PWR; and the Westinghouse AP300 is a 300 MWe/900 MWt PWR.
GBN plans to select up to three of the technologies, with the intention of supporting the deployment of multiple units at a site. GBN currently owns land for potential new nuclear at Wylfa in Anglesey, North Wales, and at Oldbury in Gloucestershire, southwest England, but other sites could also be chosen. GBN said it remains on track to select the chosen technology before the summer. A final investment decision is expected to be taken in 2029.
Holtec said the SMR-300 will support the UK’s long-term industrial strategy and clean energy ambitions. Holtec also plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in South Yorkshire, close to Sheffield Forgemasters. This would form the foundation of a UK-based export hub for the SMR-300. Holtec said that at least 70% of materials, components and services will be sourced from the UK, with significant supply chain opportunities, particularly in and around South Yorkshire.
In 2023, Holtec announced plans to build the first two SMR-300 reactors at the existing Palisades NPP site in Michigan in the US. It plans to file a construction permit application for the reactors in 2026 with operation of the first SMR-300 plant targeted for mid-2030, subject to regulatory reviews and oversight.
Holtec recently received authorisation from the US Government to export the SMR-300 to India, marking a significant step for international deployment – following a similar announcement for Ukraine last year.
Holtec began developing its SMR in 2011. The SMR-300 has undergone several design evolutions, the most recent of which was the incorporation of forced flow capability overlayed on gravity-driven flow in the plant’s primary system. It is designed to produce 300 MWe or 1,050 MWt of heat for industrial applications.
“The UK has the opportunity to lead the world in next-generation clean energy,” said Holtec Britain Director Gareth Thomas. “Holtec Britain is ready – with proven technology and established international partners, including Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co Ltd and Mitsubishi Electric, with a clear commitment to supporting economic growth.”
