British manufacturer Sheffield Forgemasters has signed a collaboration agreement with Holtec Britain for the development of components for its SMR-160 reactor. This agreement will allow Sheffield Forgemasters to work on the design of Holtec’s SMR-160 components to identify the best manufacturing routes. This positions Sheffield Forgemasters at the top of the supply chain for the manufacture of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the UK. It is based on a long experience in supplying components for civil nuclear projects worldwide.
Components that reduce machining, assembly, welding and in-service inspection requirements
Dominic Ashmore, Head of Strategy and Business Development – Clean Energy at Sheffield Forgemasters, said, “We look forward to working closely with Holtec Britain on the SMR-160 designed reactor. This agreement completes a body of work we are undertaking for the UK’s future civil nuclear program, with SMRs being a key element, alongside larger nuclear power plants and the real possibility of fusion power. We will work with Holtec to jointly develop the design for manufacture and procurement specifications for specific forgings, with particular attention to providing components that reduce the machining, assembly, welding and in-service inspection requirements for these components.”
Safer and less expensive reactors
SMR power plants are considered a revolutionary development in the civil nuclear (fission) market and are designed on a much smaller scale than the ultra-large reactors commonly ordered (1000+ Mwe), so they are adaptable to energy needs.
Holtec’s Senior Vice President of International Projects and Executive Committee Member, Dr. Rick Springman, said, “SMR-160 small modular reactor power plants are designed to provide clean, reliable electricity around the clock from their absolutely safe reactors. Holtec is looking to deploy a fleet of SMR-160 plants in the UK to power nine million homes. We are excited to partner with Sheffield Forgemasters to develop more manufacturing routes for the key forgings required for this project.”
The modular nature of SMRs means they can be deployed more quickly and cost-effectively, and offer enhanced security features.
