Rolls-Royce shortlisted to provide nuclear power to UK

Rolls-Royce is celebrating after being shortlisted in the UK Government’s competition to select and contract providers of mini nuclear power stations.

Great British Nuclear, the public body that supports the UK’s nuclear industry, has named Rolls-Royce SMR, alongside three international Small Modular Reactor vendors, on its shortlist.

It means that Rolls-Royce SMR will be invited to negotiate with Great British Nuclear on the deployment of UK units.

Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories, and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive.

Rolls-Royce SMR claims its nuclear power plant design can provide enough affordable clean electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years, helping achieve net zero targets.

Chris Cholerton, chief executive at Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “Rolls-Royce SMR is the UK’s only SMR company and is already 18 months ahead of competitors in the regulatory approvals process.

“The news that we will progress to formal negotiation with Great British Nuclear will help us to maintain this important first-mover advantage.”

Rolls-Royce SMR has already been shortlisted to provide its technology in other European countries.

Recently, the firm was chosen by the Czech Republic to supply mini nuclear power stations to the country.

It was named as the preferred supplier by the Czech government and the Czech State utility, CEZ Group, after being selected from a list of seven potential SMR technology providers.

Rolls-Royce believes a successful outcome in the Great British Nuclear selection process, at pace, will enable immediate investment in the UK supply chain, create jobs and deliver the long-term energy secure and low-carbon future that the country needs.

Mr Cholerton said: “Rolls-Royce SMR has been chosen by the Czech Republic to deploy their fleet of SMRs and is in the final two in Sweden’s SMR selection process.

“Success in the UK will further strengthen our position as the leading SMR company and ensure the UK is able to capitalise on this transformational opportunity for the domestic supply chain.”