Westinghouse signs agreement to deploy AP300 SMR fleet in the UK

Westinghouse Electric Company has signed an agreement with Community Nuclear Power (CNP) to deploy what is touted to be the UK's first privately financed small modular reactor (SMR) fleet, with Westinghouse's AP300 SMR.

Commercial operation is expected by the early 2030s, the companies said.

The agreement is to build four AP300 SMRs in the North Teesside region of Northeast England.

The region is experiencing industrial and economic development, which the companies say is driving increasing demand for carbon-free electricity.

CNP is also working with strategic partners, including Jacobs and Interpath Advisory, to develop a fully licensed site for the project, with a target of 2027.

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Westinghouse says the project is in accordance with the recently published UK Government Alternative Routes to Market for New Nuclear Projects consultation and complementary to the company's participation in Great British Nuclear’s (GBN) SMR technology selection process.

“This project brings together Westinghouse’s proven technology and mature supply chain with our depth of expertise in nuclear program delivery, in a region that is transforming its industrial landscape," said Paul Foster, Community Nuclear Power’s CEO. "We are delighted to be working with Westinghouse in support of private deployment in North Teesside."

In May 2023, Westinghouse launched the AP300 small modular reactor, an SMR based on a large Generation III+ reactor already in operation globally, the AP1000 technology.

Unlike every other SMR under development with first-of-a-kind technologies and risks, Westinghouse’s AP300 SMR utilises the AP1000 engineering, components, and supply chain.

Originally published on power-eng.com