In a significant development for the UK’s nuclear industry, South Yorkshire has been chosen as the site for a groundbreaking £1.5 billion facility dedicated to manufacturing small modular reactors (SMRs). This decision by Holtec, a prominent nuclear company based in Florida, was made after evaluating various locations across the country, including the West Midlands, Cumbria, and Teesside.
The establishment of this facility is expected to generate up to 3,000 high-tech jobs, contributing to the local economy and reinforcing the UK’s commitment to nuclear energy. SMRs, which differ from traditional large reactors by being constructed from factory-made modules, have the potential to significantly reduce the cost and construction time of nuclear power plants. Holtec’s initiative aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to revitalise its nuclear industry.
Gareth Thomas, Director of Holtec Britain, expressed satisfaction with the choice, stating, “Holtec Britain was impressed by the resounding interest in our new SMR factory across the UK and the strong support received by the local authorities during our engagements. South Yorkshire overcame stiff competition from other areas of the UK to be our preferred location for our advanced SMR factory.”
The region offers multiple advantages for Holtec, including its proximity to Sheffield Forgemasters, known for its expertise in complex castings necessary for reactor housings. Additionally, South Yorkshire boasts a skilled workforce with a long-standing heritage in heavy engineering, further solidifying its suitability for this venture.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor, highlighted the region’s historical and ongoing contributions to innovation and engineering, stating, “In South Yorkshire, we’re building on hundreds of years of innovation and engineering heritage to create world-leading facilities, skills, and expertise today; assets that will power the clean energy transition in the UK and beyond. We are right at the cutting edge of the new nuclear, hydrogen, and sustainable aviation sectors, and proud to be home to the largest cleantech sector in the UK.”
The adoption of SMR technology represents a potential breakthrough in the nuclear industry. By producing reactors from factory-manufactured modules and assembling them on-site, the process becomes more economically viable and efficient compared to traditional methods. Holtec is one of five companies competing for government funding to build the UK’s first SMRs, alongside notable contenders like Rolls-Royce, Westinghouse, GE Hitachi, and NuScale.
Great British Nuclear, the government agency overseeing this competition, is expected to narrow down the shortlist from five to four companies later this month. The final selection of two winners is anticipated either late this year or in early 2025, with the successful entities being granted sites to develop their projects.
The selection of South Yorkshire for this high-tech nuclear facility underscores the region’s strategic advantages and its crucial role in the UK’s nuclear energy future. This initiative not only promises substantial economic benefits but also advances the nation’s clean energy objectives.