Holtec and MTC sign "landmark" MoU to drive forward UK SMR deployment and clean energy superpower mission
Civil Nuclear
Today [Monday, 16 September 2024] Holtec Britain has signed a formal cooperation pact with leading engineers and scientists at the UK's Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to support the manufacturing and testing of its Small Modular Reactor.
The American nuclear giant is investing heavily into the UK industrial ecosystem for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR). Holtec has been active in the UK for more than 15 years, working across EDF reactors. The agreement is further demonstration of the company's long term commitment to the UK domestic market, which will also be its hub for exports to the MENA market.
The 'Cooperation on SMR-300 Advanced Manufacturing Technology' agreement states that both parties will work together to find the best manufacturing processes and solutions for Holtec's PWR SMR-300. MTC will leverage their expertise to explore innovative manufacturing processes for a future testing phase and both parties will work collaboratively from proof of concept to final installation, training and support after project completion.
Holtec's impressive project team already includes UK construction giants Balfour Beatty, Mitsubishi Electric, UK engineering consultants Mott McDonald and Hyundai E&C - the major South Korean construction company who has delivered 18 nuclear plants in South Korea.
Our MoU with the world class MTC is a landmark moment for Holtec Britain as we commit to build on our historic UK nuclear history and use this SMR moment to grow jobs with a fully integrated UK supply chain.
Holtec's desire to collaborate and draw on the expertise of top engineers, scientists and technicians across the US, Korea and UK is what sets us apart.
The MTC is a cutting-edge organisation and one that we are honoured to work with. The talent, skill and ambition of their people will bolster our efforts as we drive forward in our goal to support the UK's clean energy and growth missions.
Gareth Thomas, Director at Holtec Britain
Next-generation civil nuclear power provides a golden opportunity for the UK to secure a strategic advantage in a global marketplace. But developing new manufacturing capabilities is vital so that nascent technologies, such as SMRs, can be commercialised and deliver the efficiencies promised. Through our partnership with Holtec, not only will we deliver the innovations needed by one company, but also support end-to-end supply chain development to help anchor this growth sector in the UK.
Andrew Bowfield, Senior Business Development Manager at MTC
In December last year Holtec was awarded £30m from the UK's Future Nuclear Enabling Fund to progress its Pressurised Water Reactor SMR design through the UK 'Generic Design Assessment' process. Last month 'Step 1' of the GDA process was completed in record time.
Holtec's UK investment is set at £1.8bn, including building a £1.5bn UK SMR factory estimated to generate 3,000 engineering jobs over the next 20 years and downstream generating £1.5billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy.
