UK Approves Reactor Designs

Regulators in the United Kingdom have issued interim design approval for the Areva EPR and the Westinghouse AP1000 reactors.

Both companies will have to make certain stated changes, but the approval reflects the government’s satisfaction with the designs and the companies’ ability to make adjustments. The approval comes after four years of reviews.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation has issued interim Design Acceptance Confirmations and the Environment Agency has issued interim Statements of Design Acceptability.

The U.K. government has nominated Bradwell, Braystones, Hartlepool, Hinkley Point, Heysham, Kirksanton, Oldbury, Sellafield, Sizewell and Wylfa as sites for potential nuclear power plant development. The new reactors are expected to be up and running by the end of 2025, according to the Health and Safety Executive.