Image: Rolls-Royce SMR
The first small modular reactors (SMR) are set to be delivered by Rolls-Royce, as appointed by the new government company, Great British Energy (GB Energy). The contract will enable Rolls-Royce to create 3,000 high-skilled jobs and create critical and ground-breaking infrastructure.
As part of the contract, three reactors will be built at Wylfa on the Anglesey coast in North Wales.
Rolls-Royce is also working on SMR reactors in Czechia, capable of delivering 3 GW of low-carbon energy.
In the UK, the contract will be delivered in two stages, with the first enabling site-specific design activities, preparing for the installation of the SMRs, and allowing adequate time for Rolls-Royce to source the required equipment from the supply chain.
The contract allocates £2.6bn to deliver the reactors, which are a relatively new but proven technology in which compact reactors are built using modular, factory-built components to reduce delivery risks, shorten delivery times, and minimise construction timelines and environmental disruption.
The three units delivered by Rolls-Royce are expected to generate around 1.4 GW, enough to power 3 million homes, for more than 60 years.
Source: World Nuclear News
Image: Rolls-Royce SMR