Finalists to build nuclear reactors in UK

Six companies are among the finalists to build nuclear reactors in the United Kingdom after a call for tenders. There we find British Rolls-Royce and French EDF. Other companies shortlisted include the GE-Hitachi alliance and Americans Holtec, NuScale Power and Westinghouse.

The move marks an important step in the UK’s plans to diversify its energy supply and meet its carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction targets. These small nuclear reactors are seen as a more flexible and affordable solution compared to traditional nuclear power plants.

An ambitious energy strategy

Rishi Sunak’s conservative government launched a tender earlier this year to select companies to build small nuclear reactors, a key part of its energy supply and decarbonisation strategy, given the challenges associated with building traditional nuclear power plants. London announced in March that it would allocate 210 million pounds (242 million euros) to the small power plant project.

A Conservative Party statement highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying it would “create billions of pounds of investment and thousands of jobs in the UK”. » The announcement comes as Labor enjoys a comfortable lead in the opposition vote ahead of next year’s expected assembly elections.

The UK has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, an ambitious target that will require significant action to reduce CO2 emissions. One of the key strategies to achieve this is to promote clean and sustainable sources of energy, and nuclear power falls into this category.

Unlike thermal power plants that burn fossil fuels, nuclear power plants do not produce CO2 during electricity production. This makes it an attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Smaller modular reactors are more advantageous because they are easier to finance and deploy than traditional nuclear power plant projects such as Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C, which are supported by EDF.

Investment in nuclear energy

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government gave the green light for Sizewell C funding in August 2022, confirming an investment of £700m (over €800m). The plant, which consists of two 3.2 gigawatt (GW) EPR reactors, is expected to cost a total of 20 to 30 billion pounds (23 to 35 billion euros). However, its production is not expected to start until 2035, meaning the UK will not immediately benefit from its energy input.

In comparison, small modular reactors represent the fastest option for increasing the country’s energy efficiency. Although their development will take time, they could be operational in the early 2030s and provide a more agile solution to meet growing energy demand while reducing CO2 emissions.

In short, the UK has taken an important step in its commitment to nuclear power by announcing the finalists for the construction of small nuclear reactors. The decision is part of the country’s overall strategy to diversify its energy supply, reduce CO2 emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Small modular reactors offer a promising solution to meet these objectives, providing a clean, efficient energy source for the UK’s future. The country looks forward to the announcement of the winners of this call for tenders in the spring, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.