Holtec International’s SMR-300 small modular reactor design has advanced in the UK’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process, successfully completing the first step and moving on to the second phase of evaluation.
Overview of the Generic Design Assessment Process
The GDA is a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the Environment Agency, and Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
It assesses the safety, security, and environmental protection of nuclear power plant designs intended for deployment in Great Britain.
The GDA is a voluntary, non-mandatory process, and successful completion of the three-step GDA culminates in the issuance of a Design Acceptance Confirmation (DAC) from the ONR and a Statement of Design Acceptability (SoDA) from the Environment Agency.
Beginning of the SMR-300 Assessment
In May 2021, the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy opened the GDA process to advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs).
Step 1 of the GDA for Holtec’s SMR-300 began in October 2023 and focused on agreeing on the scope and schedule for Step 2. This initial stage has now been successfully completed.
“Holtec has met all the requirements for Step 1 as per the regulators’ guidance, showing significant progress in developing its organization and arrangements to support the GDA,” stated the ONR. “Today marks the start of the fundamental assessment of the design (Step 2), which is expected to last for 14 months.”
Next Steps in the Assessment Process
Holtec’s SMR-300 design is undergoing a two-step GDA, meaning that no DAC or SoDA will be issued.
The regulators’ assessment will conclude at the end of Step 2 with a GDA Statement, indicating their confidence in whether the SMR-300 design can be built, operated, and decommissioned safely and securely in Great Britain.
If Holtec wishes to proceed with building an SMR in England or Wales, a further period of detailed design assessment will be required, either as part of a future Step 3 or as part of a site-specific development.
Public Involvement and Comments Process
Holtec has initiated a comments process, allowing the public to submit questions and feedback about the reactor design.
Issues raised during this process, along with Holtec’s responses, will inform the regulators’ assessments throughout the GDA process.
“This is a two-step GDA which won’t include a scheduled public consultation, so it’s even more important for people to get involved in the comments process,” said Saffron Price-Finnerty, Environment Agency New Reactors Programme Manager.
Development and Design of the SMR-300
Holtec has been developing its SMR unit since 2011. The SMR-300 is a pressurized water reactor that produces around 300 MW of electrical power or 1050 MW of thermal power for process applications.
The design has undergone several evolutions, with the latest incorporating forced flow capability overlayed on gravity-driven flow in the plant’s primary system.
Recognition of Holtec’s Progress
Holtec welcomed the completion of Step 1 in the GDA process within 10 months.
“This approval speaks to the high confidence of UK regulators in the SMR-300 and their commitment to prioritizing the introduction of new nuclear reactor technologies in the United Kingdom,” the company stated.
“We are proud of our Holtec Britain organization for securing regulatory Step 1 endorsement in record time,” said Rick Springman, President of Global Clean Energy Opportunities at Holtec.
“We are confident in our ability to deliver SMR-300 plants in the numbers needed by the country. It helps that our SMR-300 plant is based on PWR technology, which Great Britain is well-versed in through its civilian and naval nuclear programs.”
Future Plans and UK Manufacturing
The SMR-300 is one of six SMR designs shortlisted by Great British Nuclear for the UK’s SMR selection competition.
Holtec’s plan for the UK includes establishing a heavy manufacturing plant to build SMR-300 components, mirroring their existing plants in the USA.
The selection of the most suitable site for this manufacturing facility is underway.
Holtec is on track to begin the licensing and construction of two SMR-300 units at its Palisades nuclear power plant site in Michigan. The company aims to file a construction permit application for the two Palisades SMRs in 2026, with the first SMR-300 plant targeted for mid-2030, subject to regulatory reviews and oversight.