Uganda's Madhvani to build nuclear plants in UK

Madhvani family working with General Electric to build mini-nuclear reactors in the UK
Project Quasar to pioneer development of nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) using advanced technology from GE-Hitachi
Aims to deploy GE-Hitachi's BWRX-300 SMRs with a total capacity of up to one gigawatt

The Madhvani family, often referred to as "the Rockefellers of Uganda," has embarked on an ambitious project to construct a series of mini-nuclear reactors across the United Kingdom. Partnering with General Electric (GE) through their investment company, Madhvani International, they aim to pioneer the development of nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) using advanced technology from GE-Hitachi.

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Known for their diverse business portfolio in Uganda, which includes sugar farming, steel production, construction, hotels, and insurance, the Madhvani family has been a powerhouse in Africa since the 19th century. Their latest venture, dubbed "Project Quasar," represents a significant expansion into the global energy sector, specifically targeting the burgeoning market for nuclear technology.

Project Quasar is set to showcase the potential of SMR technology, which the Madhvanis hope to roll out worldwide. They plan to deploy GE-Hitachi's BWRX-300 SMRs, each capable of generating up to 300 megawatts of power. The initiative aims to develop approximately one gigawatt of total capacity, indicating the potential construction of up to four reactors. The ambitious goal is to have the first reactor operational before the decade's end.

The choice of the UK as the project's launchpad is strategic. Adrian Simper, the UK government's former chief nuclear adviser and now an associate of the Madhvani's project, highlighted the UK's open market and highly regarded regulatory system as key factors in the decision.

"The UK is seen as a gold standard for nuclear deployment," Simper stated. He emphasized that successful deployment in the UK could set a precedent, boosting confidence in the feasibility of deploying similar reactors globally.

However, the project's swift advancement hinges on navigating the UK's regulatory landscape, which has yet to approve an SMR design. The ongoing SMR design competition by Great British Nuclear (GBN) – a government agency – is crucial, as it will determine which designs receive public funding and support for development.

This content is written with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer