Holtec International and EDF have taken a significant step toward delivering a new generation of nuclear power in Britain after submitting a joint proposal to the UK Government for the deployment of Holtec’s SMR-300 small modular reactor technology at the former Cottam coal-fired power plant site in Nottinghamshire.
The proposal forms part of Britain’s Advanced Nuclear Framework. It could transform the former coal-fired power station into one of the country’s most important clean energy hubs.
The submission follows months of development work between the two companies. It also builds upon earlier plans announced in 2025 involving Holtec, EDF UK and logistics real estate investor Tritax. Additionally, the partners aim to combine advanced nuclear generation with large-scale data center development. They also aim to support Britain’s growing electricity demand from AI and digital infrastructure while helping to strengthen national energy security.
Cottam nuclear power plant proposal overview
The proposed nuclear power plant project would see up to four Holtec SMR-300 reactors constructed at the former Cottam Power Station site. Together, the reactors could provide approximately 1.2 GW of low-carbon generating capacity, making the project one of the largest small modular reactor developments proposed anywhere in Europe.
Located in Nottinghamshire, the former coal-fired power station has undergone extensive demolition and site clearance activities over recent years. The process culminated in the removal of its iconic cooling towers in 2025. The redevelopment strategy seeks to repurpose the site’s existing grid connections, industrial infrastructure and strategic location for a new clean energy future.
According to Holtec and EDF, the Cottam nuclear power project would benefit from:
- Existing transmission infrastructure
- Brownfield industrial land
- Private-sector investment
- Advanced nuclear technology
- EDF’s operational expertise in the UK nuclear sector
The companies have also signed Heads of Terms to establish a joint venture that will advance project development and engage with regulatory authorities.
Expected benefits from the Cottam nuclear power plant development
Holtec’s proposal comes as the UK government accelerates efforts to expand nuclear generation capacity under its Advanced Nuclear Framework. The framework was launched to create a pipeline of advanced reactor projects capable of supplying clean power to industry, data centers and the wider electricity network while streamlining regulatory and planning processes.
For Britain, the timing is particularly significant. Most of the country’s existing nuclear fleet is expected to retire over the coming decade. This is while electricity demand is forecast to rise sharply due to electrification, AI data centers and industrial decarbonization. Furthermore, government policy increasingly views nuclear energy as a critical component of long-term energy security and net-zero ambitions.
The Cottam nuclear power plant proposal also reflects growing transatlantic cooperation on advanced nuclear deployment. This following agreements between the UK and the US aimed at accelerating reactor licensing and commercialization.
Technology behind the small modular nuclear reactor project
At the center of Cottam nuclear power plant proposal is Holtec’s SMR-300 reactor design. This is a 300 MW pressurized water reactor featuring passive safety systems designed to maintain safe conditions without operator intervention or external power sources.
The reactor recently achieved an important milestone in the UK’s Generic Design Assessment process. Regulators concluded that no fundamental safety, security or safeguards shortcomings had been identified during the step 2 review. This achievement significantly de-risks future deployment efforts. It also strengthens confidence in the technology’s readiness for commercial implementation.
Additionally, Holtec has already submitted licensing applications for its first SMR-300 projects in the US. It also plans to leverage regulatory cooperation between the UK and US to accelerate future deployments.
Data centers and clean energy integration
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Cottam nuclear power plant development is its planned integration with large-scale data center infrastructure.
The project partners have previously outlined plans to use nuclear-generated electricity to support advanced data centers at the site. This approach aligns with growing international interest in pairing reliable nuclear generation with energy-intensive AI and cloud computing facilities.
As AI adoption expands globally, demand for dependable, around-the-clock power is increasing rapidly. Small modular reactors are increasingly being viewed as a potential solution because they can provide carbon-free baseload electricity without the intermittency challenges associated with renewable energy sources.
Cottam SMR nuclear power plant project financing
While final investment figures have not yet been disclosed for the latest proposal, previous reports have pointed to an investment of about £11bn. The project is also expected to rely primarily on private capital. This is in line with the UK’s Advanced Nuclear Framework, which encourages market-led deployment of advanced reactor technologies.
Additional funding opportunities may emerge through government-backed initiatives and potential support from the UK’s National Wealth Fund, subject to future project approvals and investment decisions. This has been the case behind funding of projects such as the £38 billion Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk.
Cottam SMR Nuclear Power Plant Proposal Fact Sheet
Location: Cottam Power Station
Technology: Holtec SMR-300 Small Modular Reactors
Proposed Capacity: Approximately 1.2 GW from four 300 MW reactors
Status: Development proposal submitted to UK Government
Project Partners: Holtec International, EDF UK
Development Model: Private-sector-led advanced nuclear project
Potential End Users: National grid, AI data centers
Project Team
Developer
- Holtec International
- EDF UK / EDF Energy
Technology Provider
- Holtec for SMR-300 Small Modular Reactor
Site Development Partner
Regulators
- Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
- Environment Agency
- Natural Resources Wales
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