Tees Valley hosts energy firm which will soon make decision on £1.5bn Small Modular Reactor factory location
Holtec Britain is considering Tees Valley as one of four shortlisted locations for its £1.5bn Small Modular Reactor (SMR) factory, which could create 3,600 construction jobs and 400 manufacturing positions once operational.
Company leaders recently visited the region, touring sites like Teesside International Airport and Teesworks, and met with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. The proposed factory would manufacture reactors to be deployed in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, potentially injecting £1.5bn into the local economy over the next 15 years.
Mayor Houchen emphasised Tees Valley's readiness to host SMR technology, citing the area's leadership in clean energy. Holtec's senior UK advisor, Professor Dame Julia King, praised the region's strong record in clean energy and expressed optimism following their visit. She noted that Holtec's factory, wherever it is built, will open a significant export market and generate highly skilled, unionized jobs for decades. A final decision on the location is expected later this year.