Small Modular Reactors Lead the Way in Britain’s Energy Transition
Holtec International, EDF (UK) and Tritax Group have signed an agreement to install a small modular reactor (SMR) on the site of a former coal power station in Nottinghamshire, UK, to provide power for a data centre.
The data centre will initially be powered by either the National Grid Transmission system or generation connections — or a combination of both.
A Holtec SMR-300 reactor (in hybrid with renewables) is anticipated to provide 1 GW of power for the data centre when it becomes operational in the 2030s.
Reusing the Legacy of Coal
Cottam Power Station first opened in 1968 and was capable of generating enough electricity to power 3.7 million homes. It was closed after 51 years of operation.
The site was chosen due to its established grid connections and infrastructure, which are key to reducing development costs and speeding up delivery timelines.
This repowering project is expected to generate thousands of well-paid and high-skilled jobs in manufacturing, construction, and operations — as well as attracting foreign investment to the UK.
A Clean Future for British Energy
UK Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said:
“Small modular reactors will play a key role in our future clean energy mix, with Holtec and EDF’s proposed development at the old coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire demonstrating the transition to clean power in action, and how this can power industries of the future.”
💥 Clean, low-carbon, secure power from a former coal site.
What’s not to like!
Here at Repower Initiative, we’ve been extolling the immense opportunities of reutilising our existing coal infrastructure since 2019.
Seeing real change now happening inspires us to continue our work!
See also our article: UK Exits Coal After 142 Years