A private consortium led by European SMR developer SGE has unveiled plans to construct 14 small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) across three UK sites, aiming to add 4.2 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity by 2034.

This project, submitted under the UK’s Advanced Nuclear Framework (ANF), would supply electricity to nearly eight million homes and account for 11% of the country’s electricity demand.

The initiative will utilize GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 reactor design, with partners including Samsung C&T, Laing O’Rourke, Google Cloud, and Fermi Development.The consortium emphasizes a fleet approach, with six BWRX-300 units planned for the first site, followed by two additional multi-unit sites.This strategy aims to reduce costs and construction risks through standardized modularization.The BWRX-300 is already under construction in Canada and has cleared regulatory milestones in the UK.

The project seeks to strengthen the UK’s domestic nuclear supply chain and is expected to enter the Advanced Nuclear Pipeline in November 2026, with commercial operation of the first reactor targeted for 2034.Regulatory approvals and site negotiations are anticipated to conclude by mid-2027, followed by licensing and major investments.