French state-owned utility EDF has decided to withdraw its proposal to build SMRs, or small modular systems, in the United Kingdom. The decision comes after identifying mismatches between the requirements of the Great British Nuclear (GBN) program and the development stage of EDF’s Nuward SMR model.
SMR construction in the United Kingdom
The UK government inaugurated the GBN project last year to encourage the construction of new nuclear facilities, including the development of SMRs, which are essential to the project and can generate up to 300 MW(e) per unit. In October, several well-known companies, including EDF, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Holtec, Nuscale Power, Rolls-Royce SMR and Westinghouse, were invited to submit proposals for this nuclear plan.
Recently, the deadline for bids was extended by two weeks from June 24 to July 8, following the general election won by the Labor Party, although it is clarified that the delay was at the request of one of the participants and not for political purposes. This date adjustment comes just a week after EDF announced changes to the construction of its Nuward reactors, opting to integrate existing rather than new technologies, prompted by talks with potential buyers such as Vattenfall, CEZ and Fortum.
Despite EDF’s exit, other competitors maintain their interest in establishing SMR reactors reactors in the UK. GE Hitachi country representative Andy Champ said the company’s track record and ability to deliver a high-quality, cost-effective reactor could contribute to the UK’s goal of zero net emissions by 2050. For its part, Rolls-Royce SMR expressed its enthusiasm following the submission of its proposal to GBN, anticipating the final selection that could trigger investments and position the company as a global exporter of sustainable and safe energy solutions.
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Source: Power Technology
Photo: Pexels / NGSOFT IT
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