UK plans a fleet of small nuclear reactors to fight energy crisis

Construction on the first unit is expected to begin in 2028, and by the year 2050, the company aims to have 32 SMR units operational, totaling 5.1 GW of capacity.

As per the contract, “the parties will develop the division of responsibilities for procurement, construction, and commissioning of SMR-160 plants in the U.K.,” according to Holtec. 

Additionally, they will also “jointly develop a cost estimate for [the] deployment of the SMR-160 in the U.K. based on Holtec’s standard design.”

Gareth Thomas, director of Holtec Britain, stated that the company has found three possible locations in the U.K.—two in England and one in Wales—that would be ideal for hosting “the first wave of Holtec SMR-160s.”

Rolls Royse rolls-in 

Rolls-Royce also declared on December 19 that the company considered three locations to erect factories that would manufacture parts for the fleet of small modular reactors (SMR) to be made in the U.K. 

“The heavy pressure vessels (HPV) factory will produce components for a fleet” of SMRs, according to the announcement. 

“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 U.K.,” said Tom Samson, SMR Chief Executive at Rolls-Royce. 

“Our power stations will be built in British factories situated in the north of England or Wales and will generate tens of thousands of long-term highly skilled jobs – accelerating regional economic growth.”