Written question asked by Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 March 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Friday, 20 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Environment Agency: Nuclear Reactors

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what generic design assessments the Environment Agency are currently undertaking; and when they expect each of those assessments to be completed.

Answer: The Environment Agency is currently carrying out two Generic Design Assessments (GDA). Holtec’s SMR 300 is currently undergoing a 2 step (Fundamental Assessment) GDA that is planned to be completed in March 2026. Rolls Royce SMR’s design is currently undergoing a full 3 step (Detailed Assessment) GDA. Rolls Royce SMR and the Environment Agency are targeting completing the GDA in 2027. We understand that Rolls-Royce SMR will provide further information to the public around the time of contract award by Great British Energy-Nuclear.

Secondary information