Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

Lord Spellar Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd January 2025 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Spellar]

To ask His Majesty’s Government when they expect to announce the orders for the first small modular nuclear reactors.

[The Minister of State, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath) (Lab)]

My Lords, Great British Nuclear is pushing forward with the SMR competition and is negotiating with a four down-selected companies. Once negotiations have concluded, the companies will be invited to submit final tenders, which Great British Nuclear will then evaluate, with final decisions to be taken in the spring.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Spellar (Lab)]

I thank the Minister for that Answer. He will be aware that the Government’s response to the AI action plan this month refers to the opportunity

“to accelerate investment in … Small Modular Reactors”.

He will also be aware that Britain is at the forefront of developing this technology, which could make a significant contribution to our growth agenda right through the country. However, delays in decision-making by the last Government led to significant slippage in the programme. What is the Minister’s department doing? He gave the procedure that would be undertaken, but what is the department doing to get the SMR programme back on track?

[Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Lab)]

My Lords, I understand my noble friend’s impatience. It is an impatience that I share, because we can all see the potential of small modular reactors in the UK and the export potential of UK companies that are involved in developing SMRs. With fairness to Great British Nuclear, it is going through a tough process. We will have assurance with regard to the technologies and value-for-money issues. Spring is not far away. I understand the haste with which my noble friend wishes us to act in this area.