Rolls-Royce announced that it has shortlisted three sites to host its first small nuclear reactor (SNR) plant.
A thoughtful choice
Rolls-Royce has selected three sites for its SMR plant. It will produce components to develop a fleet of small modular reactors designed and built in the UK. The company announced its intention to develop SMRs in the UK last year.
The three sites selected are the International Advanced Manufacturing Park in Sunderland, Teesworks in Teesside, and Gateway in Deeside. These locations were chosen after a series of visits and assessments to ensure the suitability of each site to host the first plant. Rolls-Royce plans to build at least three such plants.
The creation of these Rolls-Royce RSM plants will have local economic benefits. It will be accompanied by the creation of a significant number of qualified jobs. Moreover, it represents an opportunity for the selected territory in the transition to zero carbon.
An economic dynamic
Rolls-Royce develops and designs its SMRs in collaboration with Atkins. These plants will have the capacity to generate 470MW of low-carbon energy. The project is supported by £210 million from the UK government.
Other private funding sources are supporting the project, including the Qatar Sovereign Wealth Fund. Doha’s investment amounts to £250 million. Rolls-Royce last month identified four priority sites for the deployment of its SMRs.
Rolls-Royce SMR Managing Director Tom Samson says:
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the selection process and congratulate the three individuals who made the final list. This is part of the process of building the first of at least three plants that will manufacture components for a fleet of SMRs and present an incredible opportunity for a region of the UK. Our power plants will be built in UK factories located in the north of England or Wales and will generate tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs over the long term, accelerating regional economic growth.”
The sites are Wylfa Newydd in Wales, Oldbury, Sellafield, and Trawsfnydd. Currently, Rolls-Royce is awaiting UK regulatory approval for its SMR, with a response expected in mid-2024.
