French state energy company EDF has withdrawn from the competition to build small modular reactors (SMRs) in Britain.
EDF was among six companies competing for government support to develop their SMR designs, with two winners expected to be announced by the end of the year.
Despite being a strong contender, EDF did not submit a design by the competition deadline, effectively removing itself from the race.
This leaves Rolls-Royce, GE Hitachi, Westinghouse, Holtec Britain and Nuscale Power as the remaining participants.
Great British Nuclear (GBN), the government agency overseeing the competition, will now reduce the list to four companies before selecting two winners to build the first SMR demonstrators in the UK.
An EDF spokesperson told Energy Live News: “EDF remain committed to supporting the development of nuclear in the UK.
“We are looking at the option for further lifetime extensions for our existing stations, building large-scale new nuclear stations at Hinkley and Sizewell and see great opportunity for a further large-scale station at Wylfa.
“Our sites at Heysham, Hartlepool and Bradwell offer land, grid and rail connections, a skilled workforce and supportive communities which make them compelling locations for small and advanced modular reactors.
“We will continue to work positively with the UK government to deliver a new nuclear future.”
