From Coal to Atoms: New SMR Nuclear Project Unveiled for UK's Heartland

LONDON, UK – June 23, 2026 – In a significant move for Britain's energy future, nuclear technology leader Holtec International and global operator EDF have submitted a joint proposal to the UK Government to build a new fleet of small modular reactors (SMRs) at a former coal power station site in Nottinghamshire. The plan, which includes establishing a joint venture, would see up to four of Holtec’s SMR-300 reactors deployed at Cottam, transforming a relic of the fossil fuel era into a hub for next-generation nuclear power capable of generating 1.3 gigawatts of clean electricity.

This market-led proposal represents a major step under the UK's ambitious Advanced Nuclear Framework, which seeks to accelerate the deployment of new nuclear technologies to secure energy independence and meet net-zero carbon targets. By pairing Holtec's advanced reactor technology with EDF's extensive operational experience in the UK, the project aims to deliver a new source of reliable, carbon-free baseload power while revitalizing a key industrial region.

“Our long-standing partnership with EDF, combined with the opportunity created by the UK’s Advanced Nuclear Framework, provides a strong foundation for advancing SMR-300 deployment at Cottam,” said Dr. Rick Springman, President of Holtec International. “This submission represents an important milestone for the project and for advanced nuclear energy in Great Britain.”

A New Blueprint for UK Energy Security

The Holtec-EDF proposal lands at a time of intense government focus on revitalizing the UK's nuclear capacity. The government has set a target of quadrupling nuclear power to 24 gigawatts by 2050, viewing it as essential for energy security and decarbonization. SMRs, with their smaller footprint, modular construction, and flexible siting capabilities, are central to this strategy.

To facilitate this, the government established the Advanced Nuclear Framework in early 2026, creating a clear policy pathway for privately led projects. This framework is backed by substantial financial commitments, including a £385 million Advanced Nuclear Fund and over £2.5 billion made available through Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N), the government's delivery body. While the Cottam project is described as privately led, it will almost certainly seek to leverage government support mechanisms, such as the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model or Contracts for Difference (CfD), designed to de-risk investment and ensure financial viability.

Regulatory and planning reforms are also paving the way. A new, more flexible National Policy Statement for Nuclear Energy Generation (EN-7) is designed to streamline approvals for a wider range of technologies and sites. The very selection of Cottam, a decommissioned fossil fuel plant, is a direct application of this strategy to repurpose industrial land with existing grid infrastructure, a model the government is keen to promote.

The SMR-300: A Transatlantic Nuclear Partnership

At the heart of the proposal is Holtec’s SMR-300, an advanced pressurized water reactor designed for enhanced safety and efficiency. Each unit can generate approximately 320 megawatts of electricity. The design emphasizes passive safety systems, which allow the reactor to cool down without external power or human intervention, a feature Holtec describes as “walk-away-safe.”

The project's credibility is bolstered by the SMR-300's progress through the UK's rigorous regulatory process. In March 2026, UK regulators completed Step 2 of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA), concluding there were no “fundamental shortfalls” in the design's safety, security, or environmental aspects. While this is a critical milestone, it is not the final approval; further assessment in Step 3 is typically required before a final Design Acceptance Confirmation is issued. Holtec has committed to addressing 14 “regulatory observations” identified during the review.

The Cottam project is designated as a 'second-of-a-kind' (SOAK) deployment, a key advantage that promises reduced costs and timelines. The 'first-of-a-kind' (FOAK) project consists of twin SMR-300 units planned for Holtec's Palisades site in Michigan, USA. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepted the construction permit application for the Michigan project in February 2026, with a review expected to conclude by mid-2027. A memorandum of understanding between UK and U.S. regulators aims to streamline reviews, ensuring that lessons learned from the American project directly benefit and accelerate its British counterpart.

From Coal to Clean Power: Revitalizing an Industrial Heartland

The proposal’s social and economic implications are as significant as its technical ones. By siting the SMRs at Cottam, the project embodies the principle of a 'just transition'—repurposing a former fossil fuel asset to create new, high-skilled jobs in the clean energy sector. For Nottinghamshire, a region with a deep heritage in coal mining and power generation, the project offers a pathway to economic revitalization.

Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF UK, highlighted this aspect, stating, “The Cottam project supports the UK government’s ambition to expand nuclear capacity and will facilitate significant re-development of a region that has given so much to the UK through its coal heritage.”

While specific job numbers for Cottam have not been released, similar SMR projects in the UK project the creation of thousands of roles during construction and hundreds of permanent operational positions. Furthermore, Holtec has signaled its intent to build a significant long-term presence in Britain. “Holtec plans to substantially expand its presence in the UK with a significantly larger operation center and is evaluating a manufacturing plant to build nuclear equipment in the country,” Dr. Springman added, suggesting the potential for a new domestic supply chain that could serve projects at home and abroad.

Navigating the Path to Deployment

Despite the strong government backing and the robust technical proposal, the path to deployment involves navigating a competitive and complex landscape. The Holtec-EDF venture is one of several contenders in the UK's burgeoning SMR market. Great British Nuclear is currently running a technology selection process, expected to conclude in 2025, while Rolls-Royce SMR has already been selected to build its reactors at Wylfa in North Wales, with development set to begin in 2026.

Securing a final investment decision will depend on a viable funding model and a long-term revenue agreement with the government. The project's success will also be contingent on completing the final stages of the UK's regulatory process and leveraging the transatlantic partnership to ensure the 'second-of-a-kind' benefits are fully realized. As the UK races to build a resilient, low-carbon energy system, the transformation of the Cottam power station from a symbol of the past to a beacon of the future will be a critical test of its nuclear ambitions.