Holtec and EDF plan small modular reactor scheme at former coal power station
Holtec and EDF plan small modular reactor scheme at former coal power station
25 June 2026
Holtec International and EDF have submitted a joint proposal to the UK Government to develop a new small modular reactor (SMR) project at the former Cottam power station site in Nottinghamshire.
The submission, made under the Government's Advanced Nuclear Framework, is accompanied by Heads of Terms for a joint venture between the two companies to advance the project and explore deployment of Holtec's SMR-300 technology in the UK.
The plans would see up to four SMR-300 units constructed at the former coal-fired power station site, creating around 1.3GW of electricity generation capacity and representing one of the most significant proposed redevelopments of former energy infrastructure in the country.
For the property, construction and industrial sectors, the announcement highlights the growing role that large-scale energy infrastructure projects could play in regenerating former industrial sites while supporting the UK's future power requirements.
The Cottam site benefits from existing grid infrastructure, making it a potentially attractive location for new generation capacity. The project partners said the development would demonstrate how former coal power stations can be repurposed for next-generation energy production while supporting regional economic growth.
The proposal follows Holtec's completion of the UK's Generic Design Assessment process for its SMR-300 reactor design, providing a regulatory foundation for future deployment in Britain.
Under the plans, the Nottinghamshire development would become a second-of-a-kind deployment of the technology, following Holtec's Pioneer project in Michigan in the United States, which is currently progressing through regulatory approval.
Holtec said the project could also lead to a significant expansion of its UK operations, including the potential development of a manufacturing facility to produce nuclear equipment domestically.
The submission reflects increasing industry interest in small modular reactors as part of the UK's future energy mix. Unlike traditional large-scale nuclear plants, SMRs are designed to be manufactured using more standardised processes and assembled on site, with advocates arguing this can reduce construction times and costs.
For industrial and logistics markets, the wider significance extends beyond energy generation. The development of domestic SMR manufacturing capability could create new demand for advanced manufacturing facilities, specialist supply chain infrastructure and engineering-led industrial development.
Simone Rossi, chief executive of EDF UK, said the project would support the Government's ambition to expand nuclear capacity while helping to regenerate a region with a long history of energy production.
If approved, the Cottam scheme would represent another example of former industrial and energy sites being repositioned to support the UK's transition to new forms of infrastructure, combining energy security objectives with long-term regeneration and investment opportunities.
