EDF, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Limited, NuScale Power, Rolls Royce and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Limited will go forward to the next stage of the process.

The Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition is part of the government’s plan for up to a quarter of all UK electricity to come from nuclear power by 2050.

SMRs are smaller than conventional nuclear reactors can be made in factories making construction faster and less expensive.

The chosen designs are considered by the government and Great British Nuclear to be the most able to deliver operational SMRs by the mid-2030s.

The next stage of the process will see companies able to bid for Government contracts with successful bids from the six going to contract award stage next summer.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “Small Modular Reactors will help the UK rapidly expand nuclear power and deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy for British families and businesses, create well-paid, high-skilled jobs, and grow the economy.

This competition has attracted designs from around the world and puts the UK at the front of the global race to develop this exciting, cutting-edge technology and cement our position as a world leader in nuclear innovation.”

Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Nuclear said: “Today’s announcement is a key step forward in delivering the government’s objective of boosting nuclear power in this country. Our priority in this process has been to prioritise reliable and sustainable power to the grid early, and that’s why we have focused our first step on the technologies that we viewed as most likely to meet the objective of a final investment decision in 2029.

“These companies will now be able to prepare for the next stages of the competition, aiming for a final contract agreement in the summer, potentially benefiting from significant support from the public purse.”