Holtec Chooses South Yorkshire as Home of Small Modular Reactor Factory.
- South Yorkshire chosen to host Holtec’s planned Small Modular Reactor (SMR) factory.
- Decision reinforces South Yorkshire as the natural home for emerging clean energy sectors.
- Holtec’s SMR factory represents a major investment and job creation opportunity for the region.
- Holtec’s SMR factory targets 70% of materials, components, and services are procured within the UK, and particularly South Yorkshire, meaning significant supply chain opportunities.
Holtec International Storage Modules (HI-STORMs) – for storing used nuclear fuel – depart Holtec’s factory in Camden, New Jersey.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has warmly welcomed the news that South Yorkshire is set to become the new home of Holtec’s planned Small Modular Reactor (SMR) factory.
South Yorkshire is already home to the UK’s largest clean-tech cluster and has an existing industrial base and supply chain to support Holtec’s new SMR factory. In addition, the region has some of the top engineering universities in the country and is benefited by the Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (AMRC), representing opportunities for joint education and training programs to provide the high-tech skills in automation, robotics, and welding needed by Holtec’s advanced manufacturing production approach.
Holtec’s selection process involved evaluation of 13 locations that responded to a call for interest released by Holtec earlier this year, after which 4 locations were shortlisted based on selection criteria. Holtec Britain – who has been working at Sizewell B for over 15 years – chose South Yorkshire as the location for its new SMR factory to serve the UK and export markets.
The factory is estimated to provide £1.5 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy and is set to create hundreds of well-paid, high-skilled jobs. Holtec’s SMR-300 is a PWR reactor enabling the factory to also produce large naval reactor components to not only support the countries energy security, but also its national security.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said:
“This is a stunning success for South Yorkshire. Holtec’s decision to choose South Yorkshire as the home of its new SMR factory cements our place as the as the natural home for emerging clean energy sectors.
“We’re proud to be the home of the largest clean-tech cluster in the UK and at the forefront of nuclear tech, hydrogen, and sustainable aviation fuels development. This decision will further strengthen our clean tech sector.
“Holtec’s plans to build a £1.5bn GVA advanced SMR factory here have the potential to support hundreds of high-paying jobs and their SMR Learning Academy will help to train the next generation of nuclear experts.
“Holtec has seen the strengths we have here – the talent, manufacturing assets and supply chains – and together we will now forge a new future together that benefits our communities and the planet.”
Gareth Thomas, Director of Holtec Britain, reported:
“Holtec Britain was impressed by the resounding interest in our new SMR factory across the UK and the strong support received by the local authorities during our engagements. However, after a rigorous process, South Yorkshire was finally selected as our preferred location. In addition to the technical, supply chain, training, and logistics criteria for the formal evaluation, we were also impressed by the history and pride of the people we met during our visit to South Yorkshire, which demonstrated the workforce really cares about the quality and reputation of their work. For Holtec, that translates to a work force that can be trained and will remain committed to delivering the high-quality nuclear products that Holtec, and our customers, demand.”
Holtec has been part of the nuclear ecosystem in this country for many years and is absolutely committed to creating high-quality local jobs, supply chain opportunities and partnerships that will help South Yorkshire and the UK grow and prosper. Our new UK factory is central to that commitment. Holtec is working to finalise its factory business plan to support its Final Investment Decision, based on its UK and international order book.
