French state-owned utility and nuclear operator EDF has confirmed reports that it has pulled out of the competition to build small modular reactors in Britain after deciding to shift away from its indigenous Nuward technology to a design based on proven technology only.
The company had been vying with five others to win government support for its Nuward SMR design, with two winners set to be chosen by the end of the year.
But with submissions for the latest stage of the competition due at 16:00 local time on 8 July, press report said EDF had not put forward a design and has effectively now withdrawn from the running.
The decision leaves five companies in the competition: Rolls-Royce, GE Hitachi, Westinghouse, Holtec Britain and Nuscale Power, all of which are understood to have met the deadline. GE Hitachi confirme on 8 July it had submitted its tender response by providing documentation in support of its BWRX-300 SMR technology.
Want to keep reading?
Register free and get full access to NucNet for 14 days. No card required.
- Daily news briefing on the global nuclear industry
- Weekly, monthly and topical newsletters
- 24/7 coverage during nuclear incidents and safety events
- Full searchable archive, 30,000+ articles since 1991
- SMR and AMR project database
- Analysis, Focus pieces and infographics
- NucNet Style Guide for nuclear reporters and communicators
After the trial, keep a free account for a newsletter and a complimentary Plus article every two weeks. Or see our subscription plans for individuals and organisations.
See subscription options
