Small nuclear power stations | Rolls-Royce

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Decarbonising complex critical systems

Small nuclear power stations

Transitioning to a clean, reliable and flexible energy future

Affordable, low-carbon nuclear power

Compact nuclear power stations can help us decarbonise our energy production.

We are leading a consortium developing power plants that generate electricity using a small modular reactor (SMR). Fleets of SMRs have the potential to provide increased stability and security of supply to electricity grids alongside other sources including renewables. The technology also opens nuclear power up to new opportunities and applications.

New uses of nuclear power

Compact nuclear power stations can feed into clean electricity grids alongside renewables and larger nuclear power stations.

Their high-power output relative to their size also opens up new applications.

They could, for example, produce zero carbon power for energy-intensive smelters, chemical processing facilities, glass manufacturing units and materials recycling plants.

SMRs could also power the extraction of carbon dioxide from the air for use in the production of synthetic, sustainable aviation fuels. Known as direct air capture, this technology is currently in its infancy but could one day help decarbonise long-haul flight.

Small size brings big benefits

SMRs can be made from standardised parts manufactured in factories using advanced digital welding and robotic assembly.

The power stations have a footprint equal to that of about one-and-a-half UK football pitches or two baseball fields. That gives them advantages over larger power stations, for which bespoke components must be produced on site, leading to potential delays.

SMRs come with manufacturing cost savings, shorter assembly times, reduced uncertainty and lower borrowing costs.

Solid foundations

Our SMR generates power in the same way as a larger nuclear reactor. Energy is generated by splitting uranium atoms to create steam, turn turbines and produce electricity. The process produces no carbon emissions.

One of the key innovations lies in its foundations. A seismic bearing pad resting on a specially engineered platform acts as a giant shock absorber to neutralise movement from any seismic activity.

Teaming up to bring SMRs to the UK

We have brought together a cross-sector collaboration of engineering, manufacturing and construction partners working to make our SMR vision a reality.

Our aim is to be part of a joint venture manufacturing and assembling small nuclear power stations for customers such as utility companies. The UK SMR Consortium plan could embed long-term jobs, skills and prosperity in communities across the UK.

Further afield, SMRs could make clean, low carbon nuclear power available to remote communities, small countries and emerging economies across the world.

The UK SMR Consortium proposal timetable: