The government has snubbed Bill Gates nuclear reactor design company Terrapower in its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition.
Terrapower failed to make a six-strong shortlist of companies which remain in the running to design and build small modular reactors (SMRs) in the UK.
The six companies advancing to the next stage of the competition include EDF, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International, Holtec Britain, NuScale Power, Rolls Royce and Westinghouse Electric Company.
Fears that Terrapower was set to be excluded from the SMR race emerged last weekend, with reports that the government had concerns about the firm’s fuel source.
The competition is part of the government’s plan to deliver a quarter of all UK electricity needs from nuclear power by 2050.
The next stage of the process will see successful companies bid for government contracts. The ambition is to announce in spring 2024 which of the six companies the government will support, with contracts awarded by summer 2024.
The UK hopes to deliver operational SMRs by the middle of the 2030s.
Energy security secretary Claire Coutinho said: “Small Modular Reactors will help the UK rapidly expand nuclear power and deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy for British families and businesses, create well-paid, high-skilled jobs, and grow the economy.
“This competition has attracted designs from around the world and puts the UK at the front of the global race to develop this exciting, cutting-edge technology and cement our position as a world leader in nuclear innovation.”
Minister for nuclear and networks Andrew Bowie added: “This programme provides the blueprint for how the government can work together with industry to grow the economy and set the future of new, exciting nuclear technologies.
“I am delighted today we have taken the next step in our plans to unleash a new generation of nuclear technology, boost our energy security and deliver our net zero ambitions.”
Last month, Lord Howell, who secured Sizewell B power station when energy secretary in Margaret Thatcher’s government, threw his weight behind SMRs during a House of Lords debate.
He said the UK’s nuclear programme should prioritise SMRs over pushing ahead with “mega-nuclear giant projects”, like EDF’s Hinkley Point C currently under construction in Somerset.