The UK government has pledged to create new nuclear energy project sites in England and Wales to accelerate the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and attract private investment. This initiative is part of PM Keir Starmer’s larger plan to decarbonise Britain’s electricity sector while maintaining energy security.
Starmer’s office announced the increase of the list of potential nuclear development locations, as well as measures to streamline planning procedures. “For decades, this country has failed to build new nuclear power plants.” “We’ve been let down and left behind,” Starmer said.
Successive British administrations have supported SMRs, which are tiny nuclear reactors meant to cut costs and planning delays when compared to large-scale units. However, no SMR projects have been built thus far.
Attracting private funding is an important part of Starmer’s economic development plan. His administration has already implemented substantial planning reforms to accelerate key infrastructure projects.
Currently, eight sites have been approved for nuclear development, but the new strategy encourages investors to submit more. There is also the option to locate SMRs near energy-intensive AI data centres.
Four companies are competing in a government-led SMR competition that began in 2023: Rolls-Royce, Westinghouse, Holtec Britain, and GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy.
