The government has confirmed Holtec’s small modular reactor (SMR) has successfully completed Step 2 of the UK regulators’ key design assessment.
The second step started in August 2024 and involved a “comprehensive and rigorous” regulatory assessment, examining the fundamental adequacy of the reactor design and its safety, security and environmental protection documentation.
In September 2025, Holtec – in partnership with EDF Energy and Tritax – announced plans to develop the SMR-300 at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire.
The assessment by the Environment Agency, Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) found no fundamental safety, security, safeguards or environmental protection shortfalls with the design that would prevent its deployment in England and Wales.
Tim Parkes, ONR’s Head of the Holtec SMR-300 GDA, said: “Our assessment covered 21 technical topic areas, and we have not identified any fundamental shortfalls.
“Throughout the GDA process, Holtec has demonstrated an open-minded and constructive approach that has been instrumental in enabling us to complete our assessment across all areas. Where aspects of the design, safety case, and methodologies require further development, these have been captured in 14 regulatory observations.
“Holtec has engaged positively with each of these observations, demonstrating a clear commitment to resolution. We are confident that their resolution plans, if implemented effectively, will address these observations and support a future design and safety case.”
The regulators will need to undertake further detailed assessments before construction can begin and environmental permits are issued.
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN