The UK government has announced it has chosen high-temperature gas reactors (HTGRs) as its preferred advanced reactor technology for a programme that could see a demonstration unit in operation in the early 2030s.

Greg Hands, the minister for business, energy and clean growth confirmed the decision in a speech at the London-based Nuclear Industry Association’s annual conference. He said the government’s support of HTGRs follows a call for evidence this summer to gather views on the government’s preference to support HTGR for an advanced modular reactor research, development and demonstration programme into which it is investing £170m.

Mr Hands said the government would continue to support the development of all advanced modular reactors as part of wider activities.