Monday, 16 September 2024, at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield, the US’ largest exporter of nuclear equipment, Holtec, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the renowned UK Catapult centre to collaborate on SMRs, large nuclear and fusion and the civil and defence sectors.
The MoU is further demonstration of Holtec’s commitment to the UK domestic market, which will also be its hub for exports to Europe and MENA. Holtec is preparing to invest into the UK industrial ecosystem for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
The MoU on ‘Cooperation on Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Technology’ agrees that both parties will conduct in-depth analysis of manufacturing technology efficiency and UK skills challenges.
Holtec and the AMRC will also explore collaboration on large scale nuclear and fusion in both the civil and defence sectors.
Holtec and AMRC Signing MoU. Pictured, from left, Simon Collingwood (AMRC), Steve Foxley (AMRC), Gareth Thomas (Holtec). Gerry McFall (Bradshaw Advisory).
The MoU is the latest in a long list of commitments from Holtec to bolster its UK industrial footprint.
Holtec’s is planning UK investment into a potential UK SMR factory estimated to generate 3,000 engineering jobs over the next 20 years and downstream generating £1.3billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy.
Its project team includes Balfour Beatty, Mitsubishi Electric, Mott McDonald and Hyundai E&C – the major South Korean construction company who has delivered 18 nuclear plants in South Korea.
Gareth Thomas, Director at Holtec Britain said:
“Our MoU is a serious statement of intent to cement our UK footprint to service the UK domestic market with UK R&D, UK jobs and a fully integrated UK supply chain.
The AMRC is a world-class UK research centre and this is a brilliant opportunity to work closely with them to further advance our Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology SMR-300 and other game changing nuclear projects.
Holtec is committed to providing highly skilled UK engineering and manufacturing jobs – working in lock step with the AMRC and other leaders in the UK’s wider supply chain.”
Steve Foxley, Chief Executive Officer, The University of Sheffield AMRC said:
“Holtec can make a substantial contribution to the UK’s manufacturing sector, particularly toward delivering increased clean energy for communities and businesses. With the signing of this MoU, we’re delighted to work with Holtec on a number of manufacturing technology challenges that will bring enhanced efficiency, productivity and impact for the UK – which is at the very core of what we do at the AMRC and indeed, the wider High Value Manufacturing Catapult.”
The AMRC is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult network of research centres.
Holtec has been active in the UK for more than 15 years, working across EDF reactors.
In December last year Hotec was awarded £30m from the UK’s Future Nuclear Enabling Fund to progress its Pressurised Water Reactor SMR design through the UK ‘Generic Design Assessment’ process. Last month ‘Step 1’ of the GDA process was completed in record time.
For more information, please visit Holtec Britain.
