The UK's energy landscape could be transformed over the next decade. A consortium led by Polish billionaire Michał Sołowow, through his company SGE (Synthos Green Energy), has unveiled a £35 billion plan to construct 14 small modular reactors (SMRs) across three sites in Britain. The project aims to deliver 4.2 GW of power, enough to supply approximately 8 million homes for more than 60 years, with first electricity generation expected by 2034.
GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 at the core of the project
The chosen reactor is the BWRX-300, designed by GE Vernova and Hitachi, an advanced SMR technology that promises lower costs and enhanced safety compared to traditional nuclear plants. Unlike conventional large reactors, SMRs have a much smaller footprint and can be built modularly, reducing construction time and risks. The primary site is Oldbury in South Gloucestershire, a former Magnox nuclear station, where SGE plans to install six reactors. The other two sites, yet to be publicly named, will each host four reactors, bringing the total to 14.
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Government backing and regulatory framework
The proposal falls under the UK government's new "Advanced Nuclear Framework," introduced earlier this year to support privately funded nuclear projects. To move forward, the consortium needs to secure government guarantees on electricity prices through long-term contracts, before offering the investment to institutional investors. The push for renewable energy and the rising power demand from AI data centers are accelerating interest in nuclear power. As highlighted in a related article, Sam Altman's AI wealth distribution plan underscores how energy demand for AI infrastructure is becoming a global priority.
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Google Cloud as strategic partner: up to £4.5 billion in data centers
A key element of the project is the partnership with Google Cloud, which has expressed interest in investing up to £4.5 billion in data centers in the UK to leverage the additional capacity. The growing need for low-carbon energy to power artificial intelligence is driving Big Tech towards nuclear solutions. According to Wikipedia, small modular reactors provide a constant, clean power source ideal for data centers requiring 24/7 reliability.
Impact on the British countryside
Building 14 SMRs in coastal or riverside areas – necessary for cooling – will inevitably transform some rural parts of the UK. Although SMRs have a smaller footprint than traditional plants, clustering multiple units at the same site could alter the landscape. Additionally, the need for a water heat sink limits suitable locations, concentrating development near large rivers or estuaries. Local communities and environmental groups will closely monitor the project, which still requires full government approval.
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Currently, the SGE plan is a proposal awaiting final clearance. The £35 billion estimate may change based on financing and public guarantees. However, if realized, it would represent one of the largest SMR programs globally, marking a turning point for the UK's energy strategy and the role of nuclear power in the global energy mix.
