Britain could see some of the world’s first advanced nuclear power stations powering factories and AI data centres, as part of the government’s “golden age” of nuclear.
The government is today (Wednesday 4 February) publishing a first-of-its-kind framework which aims to stimulate private investment in innovative nuclear technologies across the country, providing a clear route to market and support for credible projects to get them off the ground.
Britain is one of the first to champion the development of cutting-edge nuclear projects driven by the private sector, recently announcing major commercial deals between UK and US companies.
This includes plans for X-Energy and Centrica to build 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, supporting 2,500 jobs, as well as plans for Holtec, EDF, and Tritax to build small modular reactors at the former coal-fired power station Cottam in Nottinghamshire, providing clean, secure power to data centres on the site. Meanwhile TerraPower is working with engineering firm KBR to explore the potential deployment of its Natrium advanced reactor technology in the UK and beyond.
To speed up deployment of advanced nuclear and attract private investment, government is launching a “pipeline” of credible projects that meet essential readiness criteria. A “concierge-style” service will help developers understand requirements around UK planning, regulation and fuel, as well as enabling them to crowd-in private investment.
Advanced nuclear technologies – including advanced, small, and micro modular reactors – are manufactured in factories meaning they could be built quicker and at a lower cost, with skilled jobs located across multiple regions. They can provide clean energy to the grid or directly to private industrial consumers to meet growing clean energy demand and help decarbonise industry.
It follows the biggest government investment in nuclear power for a generation, greenlighting Sizewell C in Suffolk and selecting Wylfa in North Wales to host the country’s first small modular reactors.
