EDF has said it will now “evolve the design” to “offer better conditions for success by facilitating technical feasibility”.
A Whitehall source said EDF’s decision to drop out of the UK’s SMR competition was not the result of any feedback from GBN but rather a consequence of the French company having to rethink its technology.
It comes after warnings from bidders, including Rolls-Royce, that there should be no further delays to the competition process, which was originally due to be wrapped up by this summer.
Britain risks losing ‘first mover advantage’
Under current timelines, GBN is expected to announce the winners before the end of this year and award contracts and sites at some point next year.
Tufan Erginbilgic, chief executive of Rolls-Royce, warned that Britain risked losing its “first mover advantage” if there were further delays in the wake of last week’s election and change of government.
A spokesman for GBN declined to comment on Monday.
An EDF spokesman said: “EDF remains committed to supporting the development of nuclear in the UK.
“We are looking at the option for further lifetime extensions for our existing stations, building large-scale new nuclear stations at Hinkley and Sizewell and see great opportunity for a further large-scale station at Wylfa.
“Our sites at Heysham, Hartlepool and Bradwell offer land, grid and rail connections, a skilled workforce and supportive communities which make them compelling locations for small and advanced modular reactors.
“We will continue to work positively with the UK Government to deliver a new nuclear future.”