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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Jillian Ambrose Energy correspondent

What are small modular reactors and why does UK want to build them?

A digital visualisation of the small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) planned by Rolls-Royce.
A digital visualisation of the small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) planned by Rolls-Royce. Photograph: Adam Limond/Rolls-Royce SMR

Keir Starmer has vowed to “rip up the rules” of the nuclear industry by allowing a new breed of mini reactors to be built for the first time in the UK.

The prime minister’s move to encourage fresh investment in small modular reactors (SMRs) could allow new nuclear projects to spring up across England and Wales – not just on the country’s eight designated nuclear sites. However, it may put the government on a collision course with local communities.

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