Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential benefits of small-scale nuclear reactors to the provision of electricity in the UK.

Government recognises the potential long-term value of small modular reactor (SMR) technology. To explore this potential Government commissioned a feasibility study to assess the technical, economic and commercial case for SMRs. This study, led by National Nuclear Laboratory, was published in December 2014.

In order to further assess the benefits and risks of SMR deployment a more detailed techno-economic assessment of SMRs was commissioned in 2015. The techno-economic assessment of SMRs, alongside engagement with industry, is being used to inform policy development.

In addition BEIS commissioned a study on micro reactors (2016) and a SMR cost reduction study (2017).

Government expects to make further announcements on the next steps for SMRs, including publication of the techno-economic assessment, in the coming months.