Rolls-Royce’s nuclear business ‘goes Dutch’ on latest deal

A business established by Rolls-Royce to build small nuclear power stations has signed an agreement to deploy the technology in the Netherlands.

Rolls-Royce SMR has signed an exclusive agreement with the Dutch development company ULC-Energy to work together to deploy Small Modular Reactor power stations in the country.

ULC-Energy intends to develop nuclear projects deploying modern, state-of-the-art, modular reactors that are based on proven technology.

The Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected by ULC-Energy as its SMR technology provider of choice.

According to Rolls-Royce, the reactors apply proven nuclear technology to provide affordable, secure, low carbon electricity and heat, building on capability and experience in manufacturing, energy systems and nuclear reactor design and construction.

90% of the reactors are built in factory conditions, limiting on-site activity primarily to assembly of prefabricated, pre-tested, modules which significantly reduces project risk and has the potential to drastically shorten build schedules.

By signing the agreement, the parties have formalised their alignment and will be working closely together to advance the application of this technology solution over coming years.

Tom Samson, chief executive, of Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “This is an important and exciting step forward towards deploying Rolls-Royce SMRs in the Netherlands.

“Working under the agreement with ULC-Energy, as a developer who will deploy our technology, we will pursue a range of opportunities to provide affordable low-carbon energy for domestic and industrial uses.”