More than 16 firms are set to enter the Department of Energy and Climate Change competition, which aims to identify a preferred technology for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to be rolled out in a series of new power plants over the next 15 years.

Companies expected to take part include NuScale, Westinghouse and Bechtel, which have already put their names forward as potential partners.

The government will chose the best SMR design at the end of the competition.

Companies have been given until 6 May to put forward their designs and business cases, with a decision on which companies will make the next round of the competition expected in the autumn.

The launch comes as the Treasury announced that it would publish an SMR delivery roadmap later this year to provide clearer timeframes for the development and delivery of the technology in the UK.

This work would be supported by a £250m SMR research fund, announced by the chancellor in November’s Spending Review.

Last September, Decc opened a consultation to see how many firms would be interested in developing SMR technology in the UK.

Construction News understands that 16 firms put forward initial design plans.

In February, Construction News reported that MPower, a joint venture between Bechtel and nuclear technology specialist BWX Technologies would be entering the race.

The firm joined nuclear giants NuScale Power and Westinghouse in going public with their intention to bid.

SMRs are seen as a more flexible option for providing nuclear power as they take less time to construct and can be built in a wider variety of locations than traditional plants.

Since 2013, the government has been vocal in its ambition for the UK to be a world leader in the global SMR market which is expected to be worth £250bn-£400bn by 2035.