The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and Holtec, the US’ largest nuclear components exporter, have entered a formal partnership to collaborate on SMRs and large-scale nuclear and fusion in civil and defence sectors.

Earlier this week, AMRC and Holtec signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for ‘Cooperation on Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Technology’ at AMRC's facility in Sheffield.

The pact agrees that both parties will conduct in-depth analysis of manufacturing technology efficiency and UK skills challenges. Holtec and the AMRC will also explore collaboration on large scale nuclear and fusion in both the civil and defence sectors. 

The MoU is further demonstration of Holtec’s commitment to the UK domestic market, which will also be its hub for exports to the MENA market. The American behemoth is investing heavily into the UK industrial ecosystem for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR). 

Gareth Thomas, director at Holtec Britain, said the MoU is a serious statement of intent to cement the company's UK footprint to service the UK domestic market with R&D, jobs and a fully integrated supply chain. 

He said: "The AMRC is a world-class UK research centre and this is a brilliant opportunity to work closely with them to further advance our Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology SMR-300 and other game changing nuclear projects. 

"Holtec is committed to providing highly skilled UK engineering and manufacturing jobs - working in lock step with the AMRC and other leaders in the UK’s wider supply chain.” 

Steve Foxley, AMRC CEO said: “Holtec can make a substantial contribution to the UK’s manufacturing sector, particularly toward delivering increased clean energy for communities and businesses.

"With the signing of this MoU, we’re delighted to work with Holtec on a number of manufacturing technology challenges that will bring enhanced efficiency, productivity and impact for the UK – which is at the very core of what we do at the AMRC and indeed, the wider High Value Manufacturing Catapult.”

The MoU is the latest in a long list of commitments from Holtec to bolster its UK industrial footprint. Holtec’s UK investment is set at £1.8bn, including building a £1.5bn UK SMR factory estimated to generate 3,000 engineering jobs over the next 20 years and downstream generating £1.5billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy.

Its project team includes UK construction giant Balfour Beatty, Mitsubishi Electric, UK engineering consultants Mott McDonald and Hyundai E&C - the major South Korean construction company who has delivered 18 nuclear plants in South Korea. 

In December 2023, Hotec was awarded £30m from the UK’s Future Nuclear Enabling Fund to progress its Pressurised Water Reactor SMR design through the UK Generic Design Assessment process. Last month, ‘Step 1’ of the GDA process was completed in record time.