At a pivotal moment for the UK’s nuclear energy capabilities, Baggy Shanker MP, the newly elected Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) has called for the UK to back homegrown SMR technology that will deliver decarbonisation, green jobs and economic growth.
This follows the SMR APPG’s Inaugural General Meeting re-establishing the cross-party group in the current parliament and coincides with the government’s ongoing review of a shortlist of candidates to deliver the UK’s SMR programme.
Background to Small Modular Reactor Technology
SMR, or Small Modular Reactor, is a new approach to nuclear power generation, seen as a vital part of the UK’s future energy mix. This new technology can provide low-carbon power to help meet the UK’s energy needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating skilled jobs. With a smaller footprint and enhanced safety features, SMRs offer a modern solution to the growing demand for clean energy.
Unlike traditional large nuclear power stations, SMRs are designed to be smaller, more efficient, and easier to build. These reactors can be manufactured in factories and assembled on-site, making them quicker and more cost-effective to deploy.
SMR APPG has been established by MPs and Peers to better inform parliamentarians about the potential for SMR technology in the UK. In the last parliament the cross-party group met with regulators, the CEO of GB Nuclear and individual firms to examine and promote better understanding of SMR technology amongst parliamentarians.
Government Shortlisting Window
The UK Government’s expert nuclear delivery body, Great British Nuclear, is currently reviewing a shortlist of candidates to deliver the UK’s Small Modular Reactor Programme. The four companies shortlisted, GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls Royce SMR and Westinghouse, have already completed two rounds of assessments and are undergoing negotiations before tenders are submitted with a final decision is completed in Spring 2025.
Under new leadership, the APPG is strengthening its focus on working with the government, the energy sector and regional leaders to progress SMR deployment and position the UK as a global competitor of renewable energy.
The Chair of the APPG on Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMR), Baggy Shanker MP, commented:
“Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology will be key if we are to succeed in the Government’s mission of making the UK a green energy superpower through decarbonising our electricity supply, whilst creating sustainable jobs, boosting economic growth and bolstering our energy security.
“With Rolls Royce SMR in my constituency, I’ve seen firsthand the diligence and innovation behind this technology. It’s proof of what can be achieved when we harness the skills and expertise found in regions like mine and beyond.
“This is a pivotal window of opportunity for the UK to invest in homegrown, sustainable nuclear energy and lead the way globally in this new nuclear era. I am looking forward to working with MPs and Peers to share the opportunities and benefits this new sustainable technology will unlock for regional economies and their communities.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The All-Party Group on Small Modular Reactors is a cross-party group of MPs and Peers chaired by Baggy Shanker MP that seeks to inform parliamentarians of all parties about Small Modular Reactors.
- Images of Baggy Shanker MP for Derby South can be found: https://members.parliament.uk/member/5176/portrait
- You can find our further information on the APPG here: https://www.smrappg.com/
- The other officers of the group include Vice Chairs: Andrew Bowie MP (Con), Catherine Atkinson (Lab) Lord Walney (Crossbench)
- All requests for interviews and other media enquiries should be directed to the Secretariat of the APPG using the following details: