Holtec, the largest exporter of nuclear components in the United States, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to collaborate on a range of nuclear and defense projects.
The agreement will see both parties working together on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), large-scale nuclear and fusion energy, as well as exploring civil and defense sector applications.
The MoU signals Holtec’s continued commitment to expanding its presence in the UK, which will also serve as a hub for exporting nuclear technology to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The American nuclear giant is making substantial investments in the UK industrial ecosystem, focusing on its SMR technology.
The agreement, titled “Cooperation on Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Technology,” outlines plans for an in-depth analysis of manufacturing technology efficiency and addressing UK skills shortages.
Holtec and the AMRC will also explore opportunities in large-scale nuclear and fusion energy in both civil and defense sectors. This partnership marks the latest in a series of steps Holtec has taken to strengthen its industrial footprint in the UK.
Holtec has earmarked £1.8 billion for its UK investments, including the construction of a £1.5 billion SMR factory. This facility is expected to create 3,000 engineering jobs over the next two decades and contribute £1.5 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy.
Holtec’s project team includes notable UK and international partners such as Balfour Beatty, Mitsubishi Electric, UK engineering consultants Mott McDonald, and South Korean construction giant Hyundai E&C, which has built 18 nuclear plants in South Korea.
Gareth Thomas, Director at Holtec Britain, highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying, “Our MoU is a serious statement of intent to cement our UK footprint, supporting the domestic market with UK-based R&D, jobs, and a fully integrated supply chain. Working closely with the AMRC offers a fantastic opportunity to advance our SMR-300 Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology and other nuclear innovations.”
Thomas emphasized Holtec’s commitment to creating high-skilled engineering and manufacturing roles in the UK, collaborating with the AMRC and other key players in the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
Steve Foxley, CEO of the University of Sheffield AMRC, praised the collaboration, noting that it will enhance the UK’s clean energy capabilities.
“Holtec can make a substantial contribution to the UK’s manufacturing sector, particularly in delivering clean energy for communities and businesses. This MoU will allow us to work on manufacturing technology challenges, improving efficiency, productivity, and impact, which is at the core of what we do at the AMRC.”
The AMRC is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a network of research centres dedicated to driving innovation in manufacturing.
Holtec has been active in the UK for more than 15 years, contributing to projects across EDF reactors. In December 2022, Holtec was awarded £30 million from the UK’s Future Nuclear Enabling Fund to advance its PWR SMR design through the UK’s rigorous Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process.
Last month, Holtec completed “Step 1” of the GDA process in record time, further positioning the company as a key player in the future of the UK’s nuclear energy sector.
