Rolls-Royce SMR has been successfully shortlisted in the first stage of the Great British Nuclear Small Modular Reactor technology selection process, marking another significant step towards the first plants being built here in the UK.
The shortlist includes the UK’s home-grown nuclear technology, Rolls-Royce SMR – a factory-built nuclear power plant which will provide enough affordable clean electricity to power a million homes for 60-plus years.
Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR CEO, said: “The Rolls-Royce SMR is a British solution to the global energy security and decarbonisation challenge. We welcome our shortlisting and are eager to build on this progress, moving quickly to the next stage where we can work to agree a contract and help the government reach its ambition to deliver up to 24GW of nuclear power by 2050.
“We have the only SMR technology in a European regulatory approval process, putting us almost two years ahead of any of our competitors. Securing a domestic contract is vitally important to unlock the enormous global export potential of our clean energy technology.”
Rolls-Royce is one of six firms shortlisted – the others are EDF, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Limited, NuScale Power and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Limited.
Great British Nuclear said: “The designs chosen today are considered by the Government and Great British Nuclear – the Government-backed body driving forward nuclear projects across the country – the most able to deliver operational SMRs by the mid-2030s.
“The next stage of the process will be launched as soon as possible where successful companies will shortly be able to bid for Government contracts.
“The ambition is to announce in spring 2024 which of the six companies the Government will support, with contracts awarded by summer 2024. This timetable aims to make this competition the fastest of its kind in the world.”
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “Small Modular Reactors will help the UK rapidly expand nuclear power and deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy for British families and businesses, create well-paid, high-skilled jobs, and grow the economy.
“This competition has attracted designs from around the world and puts the UK at the front of the global race to develop this exciting, cutting-edge technology and cement our position as a world leader in nuclear innovation.”
