The UK department that runs the Generic Design Assessment, the regulatory review a nuclear reactor design must pass before it can be built in the country, says it is not currently assessing any applications from developers of advanced nuclear technologies. A recent update to the department's page said all outstanding Generic Design Assessment Entry applications have been assessed.
The category covers what the government previously called Small Modular Reactors. The department opened the Generic Design Assessment process to the wider set of advanced nuclear technologies and published guidance on how companies apply. It also maintains a public register of the companies whose applications are being assessed under the GDA Entry criteria, alongside a link to the Advanced Nuclear Framework.
One company named in the department's update history is Last Energy UK, whose Generic Design Assessment Entry application was being assessed under the GDA Entry Guidance.
Technology focus and funding
The government confirmed High Temperature Gas Reactors as the technology of focus for its Advanced Modular Reactor demonstration programme. It also announced up to £210 million for Rolls-Royce SMR.
Related initiatives
The department has also published further information on two previously announced funding initiatives, the Nuclear Innovation Programme and the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. It has separately added a market and technical assessment of micro nuclear reactors, and linked to reports on winning Advanced Modular Reactor projects.
