Rolls-Royce seeking funding for 16 SMRs

• 3 years ago (2020-11-11)
• David Flin

Europe 1061 Nuclear 639

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A consortium led by Rolls-Royce is hoping to secure £217 million of funding from the UK Government to enable it to build 16 small modular reactors (SMRs). The consortium also includes National Nuclear Laboratory and the construction company Laing O’Rourke .

It said that these plans will create 6000 jobs within the next five years. The consortium said the jobs would help support the government’s “levelling up” agenda, with up to 80 per cent of the power station components set to be made in the Midlands and the north of England. These components would then be sent to nuclear sites around the country for rapid assembly. As well as the potential to create 6000 jobs by 2025, the SMR plans could bring about a further 34 000 jobs in 15 years as the market grows.

The consortium said it is hoping to get a “clear commitment” from the government for the project.