Great British Nuclear Acquires Hitachi Sites for Future Nuclear Projects, Boosting UK Energy Security

In a significant move to bolster the UK's energy security and accelerate its transition to net-zero emissions, Great British Nuclear (GBN) announced the acquisition of two sites from Hitachi for new nuclear development. The sites, located at Wylfa in Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire, are part of the UK's broader strategy to enhance its nuclear power capacity. This initiative aligns with the government's Civil Nuclear Roadmap, which aims for nuclear power to contribute up to a quarter of Britain's energy by 2050. The announcement also kicks off the tendering process for six companies in GBN's Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology Selection Process, potentially leading to multi-billion-pound contracts for technology development.

This strategic acquisition marks the first series of site announcements by GBN to support long-term commitments outlined in the Civil Nuclear Roadmap and the SMR selection process. The government's plan includes boosting investment in the nuclear sector, providing cleaner, cheaper power, and creating high-skilled jobs in the local communities. The selected sites at Wylfa and Oldbury are praised for their nuclear legacy and potential to contribute significantly to the UK's energy transition and local economies.

The tender process for SMR technology selection underscores GBN's ambitious timeline and commitment to identifying viable nuclear technologies for deployment by the mid-2030s. Eligible companies, including EDF Energy, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, and Rolls-Royce SMR, have until June 2024 to submit their tender responses, with successful bidders to be announced later in the year. This initiative represents a crucial step in the UK's nuclear revival, aiming to secure a sustainable and secure energy future while advancing towards its net-zero targets.