Holtec Britain has submitted its final tender for the Great British Nuclear (GBN) small modular reactor (SMR) competition, joining Rolls-Royce SMR and GE Hitachi (GEH) as the third of four finalists to do so. Westinghouse Electric, the remaining finalist, is yet to submit. The four were selected from a shortlist of six, which included France’s EDF and U.S.-based NuScale.

Holtec’s SMR-300

In February, GBN issued invitations to submit final tenders. GEH proposed its BWRX-300 boiling water reactor, Holtec offered its SMR-300, a 300 MWe pressurized water reactor (PWR), Rolls-Royce presented a 470 MWe PWR, and Westinghouse put forward its AP300, a 300 MWe/900 MWt PWR. GBN aims to select up to three technologies to support the deployment of multiple units at a single site. Potential locations include GBN-owned land at Wylfa in Anglesey, North Wales, and Oldbury in Gloucestershire, southwest England, though other sites may be considered. GBN expects to announce the chosen technology before summer, with a final investment decision targeted for 2029.

Holtec emphasized that its SMR-300 aligns with the UK’s goals for sustainable energy and industrial growth. The company plans to establish a manufacturing facility in South Yorkshire, near Sheffield Forgemasters, to serve as a UK-based export hub for the SMR-300. Holtec stated that at least 70% of materials, components, and services will be sourced locally, creating significant supply chain opportunities, particularly in South Yorkshire.

Holtec has also advanced its SMR-300 projects globally. In 2023, it announced plans to construct two SMR-300 reactors at the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant site in Michigan, USA, with a construction permit application planned for 2026 and operations targeted for mid-2030, pending regulatory approval. Additionally, Holtec recently received U.S. authorization to export the SMR-300 to India, following a similar approval for Ukraine.

The SMR-300, in development since 2011, has evolved through multiple design iterations. Its latest upgrade incorporates forced flow capability alongside gravity-driven flow in the primary system. The reactor is designed to generate 300 MWe or 1,050 MWt for industrial applications.

Holtec Britain Director Gareth Thomas stated: “The UK has the opportunity to lead the world in next-generation clean energy.” He added: “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.” This submission marks a key step in advancing sustainable nuclear energy solutions in the UK.