Rolls-Royce SMR agrees with GSE for advanced simulation technology

Rolls-Royce SMR entrusts GSE Solutions with the development of a power station simulator, marking a key step in the design of its Small Modular Reactor (SMR).

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Rolls-Royce SMR recently signed a $1.5 million contract with GSE Solutions to develop a power station simulator. This partnership is part of Rolls-Royce’s ongoing SMR (Small Modular Reactor) technology improvement program, which aims to finalize the second stage of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) this summer.
The simulator developed by GSE Solutions will play a crucial role in Rolls-Royce SMR’s program to develop, verify and validate the performance and control systems of its unique, factory-built nuclear plant. This initiative is part of a wider development program designed to ensure the reliable nature of the plant. In addition, Rolls-Royce continues to develop its nuclear business abroad, as evidenced by their interest in sites in Finland and Sweden.

A strategic partnership

David Dodd, Rolls-Royce SMR Engineering Director, said, “The order for a simulation and test platform is another step towards the deployment of Rolls-Royce’s first SMR power plant. Working with GSE is part of our ‘digital-first’ methodology and modular approach to developing new nuclear power – a reliable source of energy.”
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has confirmed that Rolls-Royce SMR is on track to complete the second stage of the GDA this summer, with the intention of moving straight on to the third and final stage. This progress in the assessment by the nuclear industry’s independent regulators (ONR, Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales) confirms Rolls-Royce SMR’s position as significantly ahead of any other SMR design in Europe.

Industrial and economic outlook

The Rolls-Royce SMR offers a different approach to nuclear power generation, based on proven technology. Each of the factory-built nuclear power plants will provide enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for over 60 years.
Ravi Khanna, President and CEO of GSE Solutions, said, “We are extremely proud to have been chosen by Rolls-Royce SMR to help them with their innovative engineering and technology platform. Our model development and simulation technology services are used by power plants around the world to prove design concepts and create training scenarios based on real-life situations and specific operational configurations.”

Financial and strategic issues

The Rolls-Royce SMR program is supported by £210 million of funding from the UK government, as part of Phase 2 of the Low-Cost Nuclear Challenge project, administered by UKRI, which has been matched by £280 million of private capital. The aim of this government support is to accelerate the design of Rolls-Royce’s SMR and to complete at least the second stage of the GDA regulatory process, carried out by the nuclear industry’s independent regulators (ONR, Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales).
This initiative marks a significant step forward for the UK in the global nuclear energy race. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and collaborating with strategic partners like GSE Solutions, Rolls-Royce SMR is positioning itself as a potential leader in the provision of sustainable energy solutions for decades to come.

US-based developer Last Energy will deploy its first domestic microreactor at Texas A&M-RELLIS, marking a strategic step in the advanced modular reactor race.
PGE acquires ZE PAK's stake in the joint venture responsible for developing Poland’s second nuclear site, consolidating a strategic asset within its energy portfolio.
Amazon unveils new visuals of its upcoming nuclear site, marking a key step in its partnership with X-energy to deploy up to 960 MW of modular nuclear capacity in Washington state.
Canadian uranium producer NexGen Energy has completed a A$1bn ($639mn) equity raise split between North American and Australian markets to support the development of its Rook I project.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings is examining the permanent closure of units 1 and 2 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the oldest at the site, while continuing efforts to restart unit 6.
The formal expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran comes as international sanctions have already been reinstated and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.
Oklo, newcleo and Blykalla partner to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the United States, backed by a planned $2bn investment.
enCore Energy has identified three new uranium roll fronts at its Alta Mesa project, with ongoing drilling aimed at defining their extent and accelerating development work.
California-based Radiant will build its first microreactor production facility in Oak Ridge, on a former Manhattan Project site, with production targeted at 50 units per year by 2028.
EDF restarted the Flamanville EPR reactor after repairing non-compliant valves, delaying the target of reaching full power output of 1,620 MW until the end of autumn.
Nano Nuclear and the University of Illinois will begin drilling operations for the KRONOS MMR™ reactor on October 24, marking a key step toward commercialisation of the nuclear project on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
Natura Resources is finalising construction of the MSR-1, an advanced liquid-fuel nuclear reactor, with a planned launch in 2026 on the Abilene Christian University campus.
JPMorganChase commits $10bn in direct investments as part of a $1.5tn plan to boost energy independence and strategic technologies, including next-generation nuclear power.
A roadmap under development aims to establish regulatory and technical foundations for the deployment of small modular reactors, with the goal of strengthening national energy security and attracting private capital.
EDF adjusts its 2025 nuclear production forecast to between 365 and 375 TWh, supported by the performance of its industrial programme START 2025 focused on maintenance efficiency.
The United Nations nuclear agency is urging Ukraine and Russia to establish a local ceasefire to repair damaged power lines at the Zaporizhzhia plant, which remains on alert after losing all external power supply.
Deep Isolation is calling on First Mover States to incorporate radioactive waste management into their joint strategy to ensure the industrial viability of new nuclear reactors.
Canada’s nuclear regulator has approved the launch of a new building that will store used steam generators from Bruce Power's refurbishment programme.
Costain has been selected to upgrade essential utilities at the Sellafield nuclear site under a contract worth up to £1bn over fifteen years.
A 5,000-megawatt nuclear programme will be launched by the South African government with NECSA to support national electricity supply and reduce power cuts.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.