Holtec’s £1.5 billion nuclear reactor factory in South Yorkshire brings new opportunities.
- The facility will create up to 3,000 high-tech jobs in the region.
- SMRs, the focus of the factory, could revolutionise nuclear power production.
- Proximity to skilled workforce and Sheffield Forgemasters influenced the decision.
- Holtec was chosen from a competitive pool of companies vying for government support.
Holtec, a US-based nuclear company, has selected South Yorkshire as the site for its £1.5 billion facility dedicated to Small Modular Reactor (SMR) production. This decision comes after a thorough consideration of locations throughout the UK, highlighting South Yorkshire’s advantageous positioning which includes access to a skilled workforce and proximity to Sheffield Forgemasters, known for producing complex components necessary for nuclear reactors.
The new factory is poised to generate up to 3,000 high-tech jobs in South Yorkshire, a region celebrated for its rich engineering heritage. Oliver Coppard, the South Yorkshire Mayor, remarked on the area’s capacity to offer world-leading expertise in the nuclear and cleantech sectors, emphasising the significant role this development will play in the wider clean energy transition within the UK and beyond.
SMRs are gaining attention for their potential to transform nuclear energy production. Unlike traditional large reactors, SMRs are made from modules manufactured in factories. They can be rapidly assembled on-site, offering a more cost-effective and expedited solution to nuclear power generation. This innovative approach is expected to significantly boost the UK’s strategic nuclear plans.
The competition to host SMR facilities is fierce, with Holtec competing against entities such as Rolls-Royce, GE Hitachi, Westinghouse, and NuScale. The decision for these major projects falls under the jurisdiction of Great British Nuclear, the governmental body tasked with narrowing down the list from five contenders to four, with two eventual winners anticipated by early 2025.
Gareth Thomas, Director of Holtec Britain, praised the enthusiasm and support from local authorities during the selection process, which was critical in choosing South Yorkshire as the preferred location. The area’s commitment to innovation and technical excellence stood out amid strong national competition.
Holtec’s selection of South Yorkshire for its SMR factory marks a significant step forward in the UK’s nuclear energy development.
