Rolls Royce SMRs Expected To Power UK’s National Grid by 2029

Rolls-Royce is to start building parts for its small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in anticipation of receiving regulatory approval from the British government by 2024, the chairman of Rolls-Royce SMR, Paul Stein, has told the Reuters news agency.

Mr. Stein also said he hoped the reactors would be providing power to the UK’s national grid by 2029.

Read the full NucNet story.

 

Earlier in March the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation announced in conjunction with the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales the start of the generic design assessment (GDA) for Rolls-Royce SMR Limited’s 470-MW SMR design.

The GDA is a formal process for approving a new nuclear reactor, and that has been the first time a small-scale reactor has been assessed by regulator.

The process is expected to take four to five years, during which time, Rolls-Royce SMR will engage in a range of parallel activities, including factory development, siting and commercial discussions.

The British Government and investors support Rolls-Royce SMR to develop the country’s first SMR, as part of its drive to reach net zero carbon emissions and promote new technology with export potential.

The development of a “clean energy solution which can deliver cost-competitive and scalable net-zero power for multiple applications from grid and industrial electricity production to hydrogen and synthetic fuel manufacturing” is the goal declared by the company, which said the potential for this to be a leading global export for the UK is unprecedented.

Read the ENS News.