Great British Nuclear launched to drive ‘rapid expansion’ of power plants
18 Jul 2023 By Jonathan Knott
Nuclear construction at EDF’s Hinkley Point C
The government has promised a “massive revival” of nuclear power, as it unveiled details of how its new arm's-length nuclear body will “drive the rapid expansion of new nuclear power plants in the UK”.
Great British Nuclear (GBN) was officially launched today (18 July) alongside a competition for funding and support to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology, which the government said could lead to “billions of pounds of public and private sector investment”.
It added that SMR technology could “transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive”.
Companies were invited to express their interest to GBN, which would then aim to select the successful bidders by the autumn. The process may include funding for construction, “if this proves value for money”.
The government is promising two nuclear-project final investment decisions during the next parliament – at least one of which will be an SMR project.
Energy-security secretary Grant Shapps said that with the launch of GBN and the SMR competition, “we are seeing the first brushstrokes of our nuclear-power renaissance to power up Britain and grow our economy for decades to come”.
Andrew Bowie, minister for nuclear, said: “I look forward to seeing the world-class designs submitted from all around the world through the competitive selection process, as the UK takes its place front and centre in the global race to unleash a new generation of nuclear technology.”
Alongside the competition, the government will also provide up to £157m in grant funding to support the nuclear industry. This includes up to £77.1m to back business development for advanced nuclear technology, as well as to support designs to enter UK regulation.
In the UK, Rolls-Royce is leading a consortium to develop SMR reactors, which includes contractors Laing O’Rourke and Bam Nuttall. Last year, a representative of Rolls-Royce told MPs that the supply chain was eager for the government to signal its further commitment to the building of SMRs.
Other contractors looking to work on SMR projects include Balfour Beatty, which, together with South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co, has signed a memorandum of understanding with energy firm Holtec Britain to work on the construction of a planned development programme.
In addition, the UK and EU-based SMR company Newcleo this year announced an equity-raise of up to £900m.
Last year, Construction News looked at the hurdles and opportunities facing the construction sector, as it looks to deliver on the government’s nuclear ambitions.
A policy paper on GBN says the body will work to support access to potential sites for SMR technologies.
“As a nationally significant infrastructure project, we recognise that community engagement is central to the overall success,” it adds.
A project developer will work with communities, councils, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to shape proposals through the consultation and planning application process.
GBN interim chair Simon Bowen said: “Building on the work done at Hinkley Point and Sizewell [nuclear power station builds], today’s announcement of the start of the SMR selection process signifies a real step forward in delivering the scale of nuclear power that Britain needs for a secure, sustainable-energy future.
“We look forward to working with all interested parties – technology vendors, the supply chain, the wider industry and local communities – as we move this essential programme forward.”