Mini nuclear power stations plan takes important step forward

Rolls-Royce has taken another important step towards introducing mini nuclear power stations in the UK after its reactor designs were submitted for consideration by the Government.

The Nuclear Industry Association has applied for a justification decision for Rolls-Royce SMR’s reactor design.

The application makes the case that the “benefits of clean, firm, flexible power from the reactor would far outweigh any potential risks, which are in any event rigorously controlled by robust safety features, including passive safety systems, built into the design, in line with the UK’s regulatory requirements”.

The application also demonstrates that the reactor design would support nuclear energy’s contribution to a “stable and well-balanced electricity grid, which is essential to reduce consumer bills and maintain economic competitiveness”.

Helena Perry, Rolls-Royce SMR’s safety and regulatory affairs director, said: “As the UK’s most advanced SMR design, this submission for regulatory justification is another important step to ensure that we can continue to move at pace towards deployment in the UK.

Justification is a regulatory process which requires a government decision before any new class or type of practice involving ionising radiation can be introduced in the UK.

The decision is one of the required steps for the operation of a new nuclear technology in the UK.

Rolls-Royce’s submission is the first ever application for justification of a UK reactor design.

Helena said: “Each Rolls-Royce SMR ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant will provide enough clean, affordable, electricity to power a million homes for 60-plus years – delivering energy security, enabling net zero and making a transformational contribution to the UK economy.

“Rolls-Royce SMR remains on track to complete Step 2 of the Generic Design Assessment by the nuclear industry’s independent regulators and move immediately into the third and final step this summer.”

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “Rolls-Royce SMR’s design, like other SMRs, offer huge possibilities for the UK to revive our industrial capabilities and deliver low-carbon energy for net zero and energy security.

“We are delighted to support this step to get the design approved in its home country.

“It is essential that our nuclear renaissance is made in Britain, so the new government should ensure that we deploy enough SMR designs to justify investment in the UK supply chain to deliver them.”