NESO launches consultation on EDF UK’s proposed Small Modular Reactor project at former Cottam coal-fired power station

Cottam SMR is the first project to be considered for designation under NESO’s reformed connections process — a route for projects that do not fully align with the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 Plan but may still be important for Britain’s future energy system.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has today launched a consultation on EDF UK’s proposed Cottam Small Modular Reactor project, with NESO’s current position being that the project should receive project designation status, subject to the outcome of the consultation and no concerns from Ofgem. If confirmed, it would be the first project in Great Britain to be considered for this route under the reformed connections framework.

SMRs are smaller, more compact reactors that could be built and deployed in a wider range of locations than traditional large-scale nuclear power stations, while still producing significant amounts of low-carbon electricity. That flexibility means projects like Cottam could play an important role in strengthening Britain’s future energy security, generating low carbon power, and making use of existing industrial energy sites.

The proposal relates to EDF UK's plans to develop up to four small modular reactors on the site of the former coal-fired power station at Cottam in Nottinghamshire. The project would generate around 1.3GW of electricity, and would be among the first SMR developments in Great Britain.

As the project develops, EDF will continue engagement with local communities.

Project designation is intended for energy projects that do not easily fit within the standard Clean Power 2030 pathway but may still be important for Britain's future energy system. This can include projects involving new technologies or energy types that have reached a high level of technology readiness since the publication of the UK Government’s Clean Power Action Plan, as well as projects with unusually long development and construction timescales.  

If approved following the NESO consultation, engagement with local communities and subject to no concerns from Ofgem, project designation would allow the project to apply for a Gate 2 connection offer, provided it meets the relevant readiness requirements.

Project designation

View the consultation

Cottam SMR Designation Supporting Evidence

Further information

• Small modular reactors represent a new generation of nuclear technology, using standardised, factory-built components that can be assembled more efficiently than traditional nuclear power stations. The reactors proposed at Cottam would be Holtec SMR-300 pressurised water reactors and would be among the first of their type to be deployed in Great Britain.  
• NESO is intending to approve EDF UK's application for project designation, subject to the outcome of the consultation and no concerns from Ofgem. Any future connection offer would remain subject to the project meeting the required readiness criteria and wider connections process requirements.  
• The consultation is open from 27 August 2026 for 28 calendar days and forms part of NESO's ongoing work to deliver connections reform, ensuring the framework can accommodate both projects needed for Clean Power 2030 and strategically important technologies that may play a role in Britain's energy system beyond that date.