Tritium Scarcity and Technical Challenges

Tritium is a fundamental component for future power plants that utilize nuclear fusion, yet its extreme rarity makes it one of the most expensive substances in existence, with market prices reaching approximately $30,000 (€26,000) per gram. While deuterium—another primary fuel source—is readily available in seawater, tritium must be carefully managed from its creation and usage through to its eventual recovery from exhaust gases and refinement for secondary use. Rh3ova notes that this isotope presents unique safety, technical, and regulatory hurdles that must be overcome to develop viable fusion technologies. The efficient handling of tritium throughout the entire loop is considered essential for ensuring that future energy generation remains both safe and cost-effective on a global scale.

Scaling Expertise and Collaborative Infrastructure

The joint venture builds upon a long-standing foundation of technical excellence. UKAEA previously operated the Joint European Torus (Jet), which stood as the world’s most powerful deuterium-tritium fusion machine for over four decades. Stephen Wheeler, the executive director of tritium fuel cycle at UKAEA, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “For fusion to be realised as a commercially viable source of energy, however, this expertise must be scaled beyond the lab.” This move from experimental research to industrial application is a key priority for the fusion energy sector as it seeks to mimic the natural processes occurring within stars to provide a clean, low-carbon power source.

Current collaborative efforts include the development of the UKAEA-Eni H3AT tritium loop facility, located at the Culham site in central England. This facility is intended to pilot a continuous, closed-loop fuel cycle at a scale appropriate for power plants, demonstrating the feasibility of long-term fusion operations. While the industry aims for full commercialization in the second half of this century, the work conducted by Rh3ova is expected to provide the critical infrastructure and consultancy needed to navigate the transition from laboratory prototypes to utility-scale energy production.

Repurposing Existing Infrastructure for Clean Energy

The submission seeks to integrate established reactor technology with existing grid infrastructure to support the country’s expanding energy ambitions. By utilizing the site’s current connections, the Cottam nuclear project aims to minimize the requirement for new transmission infrastructure while delivering reliable power. EDF will provide its extensive operational experience within the British energy sector, while Holtec contributes its SMR-300 reactor technology and manufacturing capability. Simone Rossi, EDF UK Chief Executive, stated: “We are delighted to be working with Holtec International on the development of small modular reactors in the UK. The Cottam project supports the UK government’s ambition to expand nuclear capacity and will facilitate significant re-development of a region that has given so much to the UK through its coal heritage.”

Strategic Deployment and Regulatory Progress

The planned development in Nottinghamshire is intended as a second-of-a-kind deployment, following the Pioneer units currently under review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Michigan. Holtec has indicated that insights gained from the American project will inform the UK program. The SMR-300 design has already successfully concluded the UK’s Generic Design Assessment, a rigorous regulatory process that evaluates the safety, security, and environmental impacts of nuclear reactor designs. This ensures the technology is prepared for the next stages of development as the project seeks to deliver safe and carbon-free power through the utilization of existing grid infrastructure.

Collaborative Joint Venture for Future Planning

To facilitate the next phases of planning and development, Holtec and EDF have signed Heads of Terms to form a joint venture. This partnership builds upon three decades of collaboration between the two organizations and leverages private investment to advance the deployment of modular units. The regulatory process will continue to guide the project as it moves toward formal approval. Dr. Rick Springman, President of Holtec International, noted: “Our long-standing partnership with EDF, combined with the opportunity created by the UK’s Advanced Nuclear Framework, provides a strong foundation for advancing SMR-300 deployment at Cottam. This submission represents an important milestone for the project and for advanced nuclear energy in Great Britain.” The Cottam nuclear project stands as a testament to the potential of combining manufacturing capability with historical energy sites to meet future demands.

Investment in Specialized Skills and Training

The manufacturing development at the Derby site is expected to create and sustain approximately 40 long-term, highly skilled positions. These roles will encompass various disciplines, including advanced engineering, precision assembly, welding, and specialized testing. Furthermore, the site will serve as the company’s inaugural training centre, focusing on the cultivation of a specialized workforce capable of supporting global reactor production. Ruth Todd CBE, Operations and Supply Chain Director at Rolls-Royce SMR, emphasized the strategic importance of the site, stating: “Pioneer Works will be at the centre of our ambition to transform the way nuclear projects are delivered, creating highly skilled jobs, supporting the wider supply chain and harnessing British engineering know-how to drive forward the next generation of nuclear power.” She further noted, “I’m also incredibly proud that this facility will act as our first training centre to create a future workforce which will help build Rolls-Royce SMR’s ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plants around the world.”

Strategic Expansion and International Momentum

This new Rolls-Royce SMR facility will work in conjunction with the existing EXPERI facility at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to bridge the gap between prototype design and full-scale modular assembly. The announcement follows several critical milestones, including a contract with Great British Energy – Nuclear for site-specific work at Wylfa and an early works agreement with the Czech utility ČEZ. Local officials have praised the move, with Catherine Atkinson MP noting, “Derby is winning investment because we have the skills, engineering expertise and supply chain to deliver work of national importance.” Baggy Shanker MP added that the project provides essential career and apprenticeship opportunities for the local community. By integrating advanced engineering with nuclear power requirements, Pioneer Works will support the company’s growing international orders, including a recent landmark agreement to provide three units for Sweden’s first new nuclear project in four decades. This expansion ensures the company remains equipped to deliver modular reactor technology on a global scale.

The agreements are intended to support research activities, fuel qualification programmes and manufacturing capabilities needed for the future deployment of advanced modular reactors. AMRs are being developed to provide low-carbon heat and power for industrial, defence and off-grid applications. The technology is aimed at delivering a compact and adaptable energy solution while contributing to decarbonisation efforts and strengthening energy security. Through the UK Japan Nuclear Agreements, the three organisations will combine expertise and technical resources to address key development challenges associated with advanced reactor systems and fuel technologies.

Chris Cholerton, Group President, Rolls-Royce, said: “Our two agreements with UKNNL and JAEA are a milestone moment for the UK’s nuclear sector. Strengthening existing relationships between our nations and combining our broad nuclear capability, they will enable us to jointly address technical challenges and accelerate the development of Advanced Modular Reactors and their advanced coated particle fuel, to deliver industrial growth, skilled jobs and energy security for our nations.”

In addition to technology development, the organisations will collaborate on innovation initiatives, workforce skills programmes and access to specialist facilities to reinforce the UK’s advanced nuclear supply chain and technical capabilities. The UK Japan Nuclear Agreements also align with Rolls-Royce’s broader strategy to expand its nuclear activities beyond small modular reactors while exploring opportunities within the emerging AMR market.

Located on the North Sea coast, Sizewell B delivers nearly 1.2 gigawatts of electricity to the national grid and remains the UK’s only pressurised-water reactor. EDF noted that recent fluctuations in energy markets have highlighted the need for a structure that can limit commercial risks and provide sufficient certainty for long-term investment decisions. The company stated: “Volatility in the energy markets over the past few years has reinforced the importance of securing a suitable model to reduce commercial risks and enable that investment decision.”

Centrica holds a 20% interest in Britain’s existing nuclear fleet through its stake in EDF Energy’s UK nuclear generation business, which includes Sizewell B. Earlier this year, EDF’s UK business said that extending the station’s operating life was technically achievable and confirmed that discussions with the government were underway to secure the investment needed to proceed with the project.

Reports indicated that EDF and Centrica are nearing a draft agreement with the UK government regarding the future of the Sizewell B Nuclear Plant. According to those reports, the companies are close to reaching a heads of terms agreement with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with a formal announcement expected within weeks. The proposed arrangement would provide the framework necessary to advance the life-extension programme and support continued nuclear power generation from the facility over the coming decades.

Located in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh Region, near the borders with Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, the facility will incorporate a combination of large-scale and small modular reactor technologies. The design includes two large reactors capable of producing approximately 1,000 megawatts each, alongside two small modular reactors with an output of about 55 megawatts each. The Uzbekistan Nuclear Plant is expected to provide roughly 15% of the country’s electricity requirements once operational. Construction is being carried out by Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom using Russian technology and financing support, including a Russian loan package.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Putin highlighted the significance of the project for bilateral relations. He stated, “The fact that Russia and Uzbekistan are implementing such a truly flagship, high-tech project is a vivid example of the friendship and alliance between our two countries and demonstrates the successful and dynamic development of the Russian-Uzbek strategic partnership.” The initiative further strengthens cooperation between Moscow and Tashkent in the energy sector while introducing advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, into Uzbekistan’s power mix.

The project follows another major regional nuclear agreement reached last month, when Russia signed a deal with Kazakhstan to build that country’s first nuclear power plant at an estimated cost of about $16.5 billion, partly financed through a significant Russian export loan. The Uzbekistan Nuclear Plant also reflects Moscow’s continued engagement in Central Asia, a region rich in energy resources and critical minerals, as Russia seeks to maintain its influence while both China and the United States continue expanding their presence across the region.

Valid for a period of five years, the agreement sets out a framework for the exchange of safety-related regulatory information across the entire nuclear lifecycle from siting, construction, and commissioning through to operations, decommissioning, and waste management. The MoU also covers the regulation of radioactive material transport, radioactive sources, emergency preparedness, and regulatory considerations around new reactor technologies. Both parties have agreed to implement a workplan that identifies specific focus areas for collaboration, desired outcomes, and arrangements for personnel exchanges and technical visits aimed at developing regulatory capability on both sides.

“Sharing licensing frameworks, inspection procedures, safety assessments and research helps ensure that robust regulatory standards keep pace with technological development, wherever in the world that development is happening,” ONR stated. The regulator added that the agreement forms part of its commitment to supporting nations embarking on nuclear energy deployment and contributing to worldwide nuclear harmonisation, and that it was pleased to walk the Singapore delegation through its assessment and licensing processes as Singapore works to establish its own nuclear regulatory framework.

For Singapore, the nuclear regulation MoU with ONR supports the NEA’s wider effort to build domestic capabilities in nuclear safety and to study the feasibility of safely deploying nuclear energy in the city-state. “The MoU with the United Kingdom’s Office for Nuclear Regulation will strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in radiation protection, nuclear safety and assessment,” said Koh. “Through partnerships with well-established regulators like ONR, NEA will deepen its technical expertise to understand new reactor technologies and build the institutional capabilities needed to rigorously assess nuclear safety.”

The NEA, which serves as Singapore’s radiation and nuclear safety regulator, has been developing nuclear safety capabilities through engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency and established regulatory bodies in Finland, France, and the United States, as well as regional neighbours involved in nuclear safety cooperation discussions.

In March 2022, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) released a report concluding that nuclear energy could supply approximately 10% of the country’s energy needs, helping its power sector achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In September of the previous year, the EMA appointed UK-headquartered engineering firm Mott MacDonald to conduct a study on the safety and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies including small modular reactors evaluating their safety performance based on safety features, technology maturity, and commercial readiness.

During his Budget 2025 speech delivered in February 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, confirmed that the government would study the potential deployment of nuclear power and take systematic steps to build capabilities in this area. “We will need new capabilities to evaluate options, and to consider if there is a solution that Singapore can deploy in a safe and cost-effective way,” he said.

The newly released Request for Qualifications builds on Requests for Information issued by the authority last year, to which more than 30 entities responded among them 23 potential developers or partners and eight Upstate New York communities. The RFQ is designed to identify a qualified set of developers capable of delivering an advanced nuclear generation project through two possible technology pathways: a large-scale reactor, “such as the AP1000,” and/or a small modular reactor “such as the BWRX-300.”

Respondents are required to present “credible pathways” to deliver at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York. These submissions must address technology readiness, siting and permitting strategy, schedule and cost assumptions, ownership structures, and partnership models. Firms that are successfully qualified will subsequently be invited to take part in a future Request for Proposal process.

The authority confirmed it would consider so-called nth-of-a-kind Generation III+ or Generation IV technologies, on the condition that a first-of-a-kind project either by the respondent or by another owner or developer is “at or beyond First Nuclear Concrete by early 2030.” The selected pathway must also “demonstrate a credible path to both produce 1+ GW of energy and start construction before 2033,” a requirement tied to eligibility for investment tax credits under the US Inflation Reduction Act. First-of-a-kind technologies and micro modular reactors fall outside the scope of this initiative. All bidders are expected to hold “commensurate experience,” and the submission deadline is 26 June.

The second solicitation takes the form of a Request for Applications directed at eligible training providers based in New York State. Selected providers will be able to apply for funding to develop and deliver technical training programmes under the Nuclear Energy Workforce Training initiative. The deadline for submissions under this RFA is 31 July.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the announcements, stating: “Nearly a year ago, I called on the Power Authority to lay the groundwork for the next era of emissions-free power in New York as part of my all-of-the-above approach to energy. The solicitations announced today will help ensure New York is poised to lead the nation in new nuclear development, that along with renewables, will provide needed power in the face of increasing demand to keep the lights on while helping keep costs down. By taking a proactive approach, we are preparing our state to take advantage of the opportunities associated with advanced nuclear, which will provide round-the-clock reliable clean energy while cultivating the partnerships needed to bring the project from concept to concrete.”

New York Power Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Justin Driscoll added: “New York needs reliable, around-the-clock clean power to meet growing energy demand, sustain economic momentum, and achieve a clean energy economy. These solicitations will help NYPA establish the roadmap for deploying the first new nuclear facility in New York in a generation that will deliver the dependable, emissions-free power we will rely on for decades to come.”

New York currently has four nuclear reactors in operation, all run by Constellation Energy, which together account for approximately 21.4% of all electricity generated in the state and 41.6% of its carbon-free electricity supply, according to data from the Nuclear Energy Institute. The State of New York has already backed the continued operation of these facilities two units at Nine Mile Point and the single-unit Ginna and Fitzpatrick plants by formally recognising their zero-carbon attributes within its clean energy mandate.

The two pressurised water reactors at the Indian Point plant were shut down ahead of schedule in 2020 and 2021 respectively, following a settlement agreement between the plants’ then-owner Entergy and the State of New York. Earlier this year, New York Congressman Mike Lawler called for those units to be returned to service.

Designated as the “Nuclear Industry Development Plan (2026-2030),” the initiative establishes a five-year roadmap emphasizing safety and innovation. The framework is the first comprehensive directive established under the Ordinance on the Promotion and Support of the Nuclear Industry. The policy directly responds to the rapid global reorganization prioritizing small modular reactors while advancing the complete decommissioning project for Korea’s first commercial reactor, Kori Unit 1.

In the area of talent development, the strategy focuses on cultivating field-oriented specialists to support the physical expansion of the Kori Unit 1 decommissioning project. The blueprint establishes a direct supply system for specialized personnel capable of responding to new operational demands within radioactive waste management and facility decommissioning, alongside standard reactor operations. Building this dedicated workforce guarantees high regulatory standards and operational safety for radioactive waste management across the region.

To solidify its position as a primary nuclear power hub, Busan will concentrate next-generation infrastructure around a newly established manufacturing support center for auxiliary equipment. The local government aims to strengthen corporate competitiveness by assisting nuclear equipment companies with acquiring necessary international certifications, linking operations to policy financing, and supporting comprehensive business diversification.

This full-cycle support system is explicitly designed to ensure that local nuclear equipment companies secure export competitiveness and successfully enter expanding global markets. Furthermore, an industry-academia-research-government cooperation system will be formalized through an operational industry council, new export networks, and the creation of a dedicated promotion center designed to improve public acceptance and expand the broader industrial ecosystem.

Hosting six of the country’s 26 operating reactors, Busan currently operates as the most concentrated nuclear power hub in South Korea. The city’s existing geographic density and industrial infrastructure firmly position it to lead the transition into next-generation systems and related high-value export sectors.

The strategic nuclear industry development framework aims to evolve the region beyond its legacy large-reactor-centered structure into a definitive, modern innovation center. Kim Ki-hwan, head of the city’s Citizen Safety Office, stated, “We will actively support Busan’s leap into a global nuclear industry hub by developing SMRs, reactor decommissioning, and export industries as core future growth axes.”

The core of this nuclear energy cooperation involves a commitment to a broader research and development framework. By establishing periodic meetings, both governments intend to create a consistent flow of information. Belgium, which currently manages a larger fleet of operational nuclear power plants, will offer its extensive industrial experience to the partnership. In exchange, the Netherlands will share its recent progress and procedural insights regarding the construction of new facilities and the implementation of small modular reactors.

A major component of the MoU is the alignment of private sectors and research institutions. The governments plan to organize innovation missions to help organizations within the nuclear supply chain identify opportunities for mutual growth. Beyond technical hardware, the partnership emphasizes human capital. Projections suggest that the construction phase of upcoming projects will require approximately 10,000 workers at peak times, with a steady average of 5,000 employees throughout the process. To meet this demand, the two countries will explore joint training initiatives to ensure a high level of specialized skills within the workforce.

The collaboration also extends to the back-end of the fuel cycle. Both nations have committed to developing shared strategies for the management, storage, and permanent disposal of radioactive waste. According to Minister Mathieu Bihet, future projects in the region necessitate strong value chains and high-level expertise. He noted that by joining forces, the two countries contribute to a more innovative and independent ecosystem for the continent.

The Netherlands is currently pursuing a strategy to increase energy independence by integrating more nuclear capacity into its national energy mix. State Secretary Jo-Annes de Bat highlighted that cooperation with neighboring states is essential in a sector characterized by rapid development and high knowledge density. The Dutch government has previously outlined plans for two new large-scale reactors, expected to be operational by 2035, while also preparing for the potential integration of small modular reactors.

Belgium has similarly adjusted its legislative landscape to support the continued use of nuclear power plants. Following the repeal of a 2003 phase-out law, the Belgian government reached agreements to extend the operations of its newest reactors for an additional decade. Furthermore, the state has entered discussions regarding direct ownership of its reactor fleet to ensure that all strategic options for decommissioning and future operations remain available to the government.