The companies selected for the next stage are EDF, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Limited, NuScale Power, Rolls Royce SMR and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Limited.
The competition is part of the government's plan to revive nuclear power and for up to a quarter of all UK electricity to come from nuclear power by 2050
SMR can be made in factories as they are smaller. They could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive.
The chosen designs will be considered by the government and Great British Nuclear. The next stage will be launched soon which will allow successful companies to bid for government contracts. In Spring 2024, the company that will receive government support will be announced.
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As well as backing SMRs and other emerging nuclear technologies, the government is also investing in the large-scale project at Sizewell C, a near exact replica of Hinkley Point C, the first nuclear plant to be in construction for over a generation.
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, stated: "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."
Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Nuclear, said the announcement "is a key step forward in delivering the government’s objective of boosting nuclear power in this country".
The government's objective has been to select technologies which offer the greatest confidence in being able to make a final investment decision in 2029 and be operational in the mid-2030s.
Later on in the year, the government will consult on how other nuclear technologies could get underway, this may include some of the technologies that were not selected through this process.
