In a groundbreaking move, Holtec International, EDF UK, and Tritax Management have unveiled plans to transform the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire into a cutting-edge site that will combine advanced data centers with nuclear power generated by Holtec’s innovative SMR-300 small modular reactors.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the three companies signals a growing interest in nuclear energy, as both the United States and the United Kingdom seek to secure reliable, low-carbon power for their digital infrastructure needs. The timing of this announcement, just ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK, highlights the strategic importance of transatlantic cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.
Cottam, once a major coal power generation hub in the UK, offers a sprawling 900-acre site with existing grid connections and infrastructure, making it an ideal location for this ambitious project. Holtec’s SMR-300 reactors are designed to provide safe and efficient nuclear power, and the integration of this technology with large-scale data center development showcases nuclear energy as a key component in driving AI-driven digital growth.