Under this process, they will be making a rigorous and structured examination of the safety, security and environmental aspects of new nuclear reactor designs.

Companies can submit information on their reactor designs to the HSE which will assess them in advance of any application to build a nuclear power station at a particular site. 

The assessment process, says the HSE,  will be carried out in an open and transparent manner.  The public will be able to view detailed design information on the web and then comment on safety, security and environmental aspects of design.