Holtec scales back as Rolls-Royce is selected
In a blow for South Yorkshire, plans for a nuclear manufacturing facility in Doncaster will be reduced after the American company failed to win preferred bidder status in the government’s recent small modular reactor competition.
Also seen as a win for British manufacturing, Roll-Royce will now lead SMR development in the UK and will continue to collaborate with Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
Holtec had previously entered into negotiations with Peel Land to develop a factory at Gateway East, near Doncaster-Sheffield Airport.
The company has confirmed its plans for the site will now reduce in scope.
The UK government is focusing on the development of domestic SMR technology in a bid to deliver on its green energy targets.
A statement from Holtec said: “This decision by Great British Nuclear means that Holtec’s plans for a significant manufacturing facility in South Yorkshire will now be scaled back in size and jobs while being delayed in terms of timeframe.
“Despite the outcome from this competition, Holtec remains resolute in its belief that Holtec’s SMR-300 is among the most advanced, safe, and deployable reactor designs in the world.
“Our participation in the tender has further reinforced the global interest in our technology, and we are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our capabilities.
“Looking ahead, Holtec is intensifying its focus on partnerships with private-sector clients in the United Kingdom that can move at pace and international stakeholders who are seeking proven, scalable SMR solutions.
“With active engagements in North America, Asia, and other regions, we are well-positioned to bring clean, reliable nuclear energy to a broad range of applications—including industrial decarbonisation, grid support, and remote power generation.
“Our commitment to innovation, safety, and energy security remains unwavering, and we thank our partners and supporters across the UK for their continued interest in Holtec’s world class technology.
Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster said: I am disappointed that Holtec Britain has not been selected as part of the Small Modular Reactor competition; their plans for a SMR manufacturing facility would have resulted in a significant economic boost for the City of Doncaster and the South Yorkshire region.
“However, I am pleased by Holtec’s continued commitment to Doncaster as they turn to other commercial opportunities and showcase their capabilities across a broad range of applications. They are an ambitious business with a desire to manufacture here in Doncaster.
“We will continue to work with them on their plans as we look to grow Doncaster’s thriving manufacturing and engineering sector.”
