Negotiations commence for UK’s small modular reactor programme
The UK government has initiated negotiations with industry leaders to develop and deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) as a component of the nation’s net-zero strategy. The negotiations are intended to establish a commercial framework for SMR deployment, with the objective of reaching a funding agreement by the end of 2023.
SMRs are seen as a transformative technology that can provide low-carbon, reliable, and affordable electricity. They are smaller and more flexible than conventional nuclear reactors, making them easier to deploy and more cost-effective for smaller-scale applications.
The UK government has set a target of deploying 40 GW of nuclear power by 2050, with up to 10 GW coming from SMRs. The negotiations will focus on three key areas:
- Technology development: The government will work with industry to develop and mature SMR technologies to ensure they are safe, reliable, and cost-effective.
- Supply chain development: The government will support the development of a robust domestic supply chain for SMRs, creating jobs and economic growth across the UK.
- Commercial framework: The government will establish a commercial framework that provides investors with the certainty they need to invest in SMR projects.
The negotiations are being led by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and will involve a range of stakeholders, including nuclear industry leaders, regulators, and investors.
Quotes:
- Business Secretary Grant Shapps: “Small modular reactors have the potential to be a game-changer in our transition to clean energy. They are smaller, cheaper, and more flexible than conventional nuclear reactors, making them ideal for smaller-scale applications. These negotiations are a key step towards realizing the full potential of SMRs in the UK.”
- Nuclear Industry Association CEO Tom Greatrex: “The NIA welcomes the government’s commitment to SMRs. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate electricity, and the UK is well-positioned to be a global leader in SMR development and deployment. We look forward to working with the government to establish a commercial framework that will enable SMRs to play a key role in the UK’s net-zero strategy.”
Background:
- The UK government has been exploring the potential of SMRs for several years. In 2021, the government published a roadmap for SMR deployment, setting out a number of key milestones and objectives.
- The government has also provided funding for a number of SMR research and development projects. In 2022, the government announced £100 million of funding for the development of a new SMR design by Rolls-Royce.
- The UK is not the only country investing in SMRs. A number of other countries, including the United States, Canada, and China, are also developing SMR technologies.
Additional information:
- The negotiations are expected to take several months to complete.
- The government has not yet announced which specific SMR technologies it will support.
- The government’s target of deploying 10 GW of SMRs by 2050 is ambitious, but it is achievable if the right investment and support is in place.
Negotiations begin for UK’s small modular reactor programme
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
UK News and communications a new article on 2024-11-11 17:28 titled “Negotiations begin for UK’s small modular reactor programme”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
114